What Happens If a Car Runs Out of Water and Overheats?
2 Answers
The radiator running out of water can easily lead to engine seizure. The engine is a crucial component for starting a car. Even without a radiator, a car can still start and operate normally. However, during prolonged driving, the engine temperature will continue to rise. Without a radiator, the engine cannot dissipate heat in time, and when the temperature gets too high, the engine may seize. At this point, the engine is essentially no different from being scrapped, and the car can no longer continue to run. The only option is to call a towing company to have the car towed to a repair shop. If the engine is already scrapped and unusable, you may face the situation of needing to replace the engine, which involves significant expenses.
Yesterday at the auto repair shop, I met an unlucky guy who kept driving with a dried-up radiator until the engine was completely ruined. If the coolant burns out entirely, the temperature gauge will max out with warning lights, and white smoke will puff from the engine bay seams. If you keep driving under these conditions, the piston rings can instantly seize to the cylinder walls—commonly known as engine seizure. The oil in the crankcase turns into a tar-like sludge, and turbocharged cars suffer even worse, with turbo blades deforming and jamming due to extreme heat. The scariest part is when the aluminum engine block warps from overheating and locks up with the crankshaft, requiring a full engine rebuild. So if you notice abnormal engine temperature, pull over immediately, shut off the engine, and call a tow truck—don’t hesitate over a hundred bucks in towing fees.
