How to Handle a Car Radiator Boiling Over?
2 Answers
Immediately park the car on a flat and safe area without obstructing traffic. Place a safety warning sign 50 meters behind the vehicle, or 150 meters if on a highway. Allow the engine to idle and open the hood to enhance heat dissipation. Once the temperature drops, add sufficient water to the radiator. Use a damp towel as a cushion when adding water.
I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for over a decade and have dealt with engine overheating a few times. Whenever the temperature gauge suddenly spikes, I immediately slow down and pull over to a safe spot, then turn off the engine to let it cool down naturally. Never rush to open the radiator cap on a hot engine—it can cause severe burns. I usually wait at least 45 minutes. After cooling, I check the coolant level with gloves on, topping it up with distilled water or coolant if it's below the standard. I also inspect hoses, radiator connections, and the fan for leaks or blockages—once, a broken fan blade caused overheating, but it got fixed. After handling it, I drive slowly to a repair shop for a check-up, never ignoring it to avoid bigger issues. For long-term maintenance, I've made it a habit to check the coolant level and color monthly, replacing antifreeze seasonally to prevent scaling, which prevents about 90% of overheating troubles.
