What Causes a Car Radiator to Boil Over and How to Handle It?

[SanGarrett]

Here are the reasons why a car radiator may boil over: 1. Insufficient water level. Prolonged water circulation can gradually lead to water loss, causing the radiator to run low on water. If not checked and refilled in time, this can easily result in the radiator "boiling over." 2. Radiator corrosion. If contaminants such as dirt or rainwater enter the radiator, it can easily lead to corrosion. 3. Radiator leakage. A leaking radiator can obstruct water circulation, and in severe cases, cause the radiator to "boil over." 4. Abnormal cooling fan speed. A damaged cooling fan or a short circuit in the wiring can cause the fan to stop working or rotate too slowly. Here are the solutions: 1. Immediately park the car on a flat and safe spot, preferably in a shaded area, without obstructing traffic. Place a safety warning sign 50 meters behind the car (150 meters on a highway). After noticing the boil-over, do not turn off the engine immediately; instead, let it idle. Turning off the engine at this point, when components are expanded and gaps are minimal, can cause some soft metals to detach and may even lead to engine seizure. 2. Keep the engine idling and open the hood to enhance heat dissipation. Once the temperature has dropped, refill the radiator with sufficient water. When adding water, use a damp towel as a pad. First, unscrew the radiator cap slightly to release steam, then fully open it after a short while. Never add water immediately when the radiator boils over, as the boiling water inside creates pressure. Opening the radiator cap right away can cause hot water to spray out, potentially scalding your face. Additionally, when the engine is overheated, avoid pouring cold water on it, as this can cause the engine block to crack due to sudden cooling, leading to irreparable damage.