What to Pay Attention to When the Engine Water Temperature is Too High?
3 Answers
When the engine temperature is too high, pay attention to the following: 1. Check and replenish the coolant, as insufficient coolant is the main cause of high engine water temperature; 2. Clean the dirt inside the radiator; 3. Check if the water pump is functioning properly. The water pump is the power source for coolant circulation. If the water pump is damaged, the coolant cannot circulate to dissipate heat, leading to high water temperature. When the vehicle's water temperature is too high, do not immediately turn off the engine. For most models, the cooling system's water pump is driven by the engine. Turning off the engine will also stop the water pump, preventing the coolant from continuing to circulate. At this time, all parts of the engine remain at high temperatures. Without effective cooling, the engine may be damaged.
The other day when I was driving to the suburbs for fun, the engine coolant temperature suddenly soared to the red line, and the dashboard alarm went off, which scared me so much that I immediately pulled over and turned off the engine. After checking, I found that the coolant was almost empty, probably due to a slight leak in the radiator. I carefully opened the expansion tank cap with a wet cloth to check, and hot steam sprayed out—it was really dangerous. Later, I added purified water as a temporary solution, but the temperature was still unstable. I suspected there might be an issue with the water pump or the cooling fan wasn’t working, so I eventually drove to the repair shop. The mechanic checked the thermostat and fan relay and confirmed that the water pump bearing was stuck. It was only resolved after replacing it. Since then, I’ve developed the habit of checking the coolant level every month and clearing leaves from the front of the radiator to avoid engine overheating and cylinder scoring, which is crucial for prolonging the engine’s lifespan.
As a DIY car enthusiast, I've encountered engine overheating several times. Common causes include insufficient coolant, faulty water pump operation, clogged radiator, or fan malfunction. If the temperature rises, immediately stop and turn off the engine—avoid using the heater to prevent additional strain. Once cooled, check the expansion tank level; if low, it might indicate leakage or excessive evaporation. If the fan isn't running, the relay or thermostat switch could be faulty. For routine maintenance, I recommend regular coolant changes and flushing the radiator to remove internal deposits at least every six months to ensure smooth operation. Abnormal water temperature can easily damage the cylinder head gasket and piston rings, potentially leading to major engine repairs if neglected—never underestimate it.
