Will Boiling Over Once Damage the Engine?
2 Answers
It depends on the specific situation. After the engine boils over, the appropriate action should be determined based on the car's driving condition. Generally, if handled properly, boiling over once will not damage the engine. However, improper handling can damage internal engine components. Meaning of Boiling Over: During driving, if the water temperature reaches around 100°C, the water in the radiator will turn into boiling water, and the engine may emit steam or spray water. This situation is commonly referred to as boiling over. Causes of Boiling Over: A malfunction in the engine's cooling system prevents normal cooling during operation, leading to excessively high water temperature. Common causes include a faulty thermostat, damaged cooling fan, low coolant level in the radiator, or circulation blockage.
I've been driving for over a decade and once experienced an engine overheating incident that could have severely damaged the engine. That time, I was driving to the countryside and didn't notice the coolant was low. The temperature gauge suddenly shot up to the red zone, and smoke started coming out. After pulling over, I found internal engine damage. Overheating happens when the cooling system fails, causing the coolant to boil. The extreme heat can damage components like cylinder heads and pistons. Once metal warps or seals melt, repairs become complicated. I recommend checking the temperature gauge before every trip, changing coolant regularly, and never letting the radiator run dry. If overheating occurs, pull over immediately and shut off the engine—don't push it. This isn't just an annoyance; it can ruin the entire engine, with repair costs running into thousands. You really can't be too careful. Routine maintenance can't be neglected—my experience shows that overlooking it even once can come at a high price.
