What is the solution for coolant boiling over?
3 Answers
The solutions for coolant boiling over are: 1. Check if the radiator fan is functioning properly; 2. Clean the radiator; 3. Replace the thermostat; 4. Add coolant; 5. Replace the water pump; 6. Inspect and repair the water temperature sensor, gauge, and circuit; 7. Poor quality coolant. The reasons for coolant boiling over in a car are: 1. Damaged or malfunctioning radiator fan; 2. Clogged radiator leading to poor heat dissipation; 3. Faulty thermostat; 4. Insufficient coolant; 5. Poor performance of the water pump; 6. Abnormal water temperature sensor, gauge, or circuit; 7. Use of high-quality coolant.
Having worked in an auto repair shop for years, I've frequently encountered cases of coolant boiling over, usually caused by cooling system issues such as fan failure or water pump leakage. When this occurs, the primary safety measure is to immediately pull over and turn off the engine. Never open the hood right away to avoid being scalded by hot steam. Wait patiently for the engine to cool down for at least half an hour to an hour. During this time, you can open windows for ventilation or use your phone to call for help. After cooling, check if the coolant level is too low. Temporarily adding some distilled water or coolant to replenish the radiator is acceptable, but this is only an emergency solution—don't drive far. You must promptly visit a professional repair shop to inspect core issues like radiator blockage or thermostat failure. For regular maintenance, replace the coolant every two years and clean the radiator to prevent dirt buildup, which can effectively avoid the risk of boiling over and ensure smooth engine operation.
As a young car owner, I panicked last time when the coolant boiled over on the highway—the temperature gauge went red and smoke came from the car. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, and waited 40 minutes for it to cool before checking the coolant level. Finding it more than half empty, I added bottled water as an emergency measure to drive to a nearby repair shop, where a small hose leak was diagnosed. Now I’ve learned to stay calm in such situations: park safely, turn on hazard lights, and wait for complete cooling before touching anything to avoid burns. For daily driving, I prioritize checking coolant levels every two weeks, using the original brand mixed to the correct ratio—especially during seasonal transitions between summer and winter when overheating risks rise. A simple click to monitor water temperature changes helps prevent such incidents and saves on major repair costs.
