How many kilometers can you drive after the car's water temperature warning?
2 Answers
After the car's water temperature warning, you can drive about ten kilometers, but it is not recommended to continue driving. The relevant explanations are as follows: 1. Hazards of continuing to drive: If you continue to drive when the vehicle's water temperature warning occurs, it may cause permanent damage to the engine, and there is even a possibility of cylinder seizure leading to permanent engine failure. 2. Solution: At this point, the vehicle should ideally pull over, keep the engine running at idle, open the hood to allow it to cool down until the water temperature warning disappears. If you continue to drive, the engine temperature may rise further, causing engine damage.
Once my water temperature light suddenly came on, I immediately turned off the air conditioning, slowed down, and pulled over because it indicated engine overheating, possibly due to insufficient coolant or a faulty cooling fan. Continuing to drive under such conditions could cause internal engine components to expand and deform, and in severe cases, the cylinder head could crack or the pistons could fuse together, resulting in repair costs of at least tens of thousands. At the time, I opened the hood to check the water level; if it was low, I added distilled water as a temporary measure, but I couldn’t drive far—it’s best to reach a safe location or repair shop within 1 to 2 kilometers. Regularly inspecting the radiator seals and hoses and periodically replacing the antifreeze can prevent such issues. Remember, a water temperature warning is not a minor issue; addressing it promptly to protect your car’s safety is a wise choice.
