Can I drive with a car radiator leak?Signs and symptoms you have a leaking radiatorA leaking radiator is a common automotive issue that can leave you in a dilemma, wondering whether it’s safe to hit the road or if you risk causing further damage to your vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore factors to consider and potential consequences and provide guidance on temporarily driving short distances with a radiator leak or if it’s best to pull over in a safe location and call for assistance. Safety, vehicle longevity, and practical solutions are the most important factors when tackling this issue and are all considered in our suggestions below.Has your car overheated recently?If your vehicle is experiencing overheating during normal driving, this is a strong indicator that something might be awry with your cooling system. Overheating is typically the result of coolant leakage, which prevents the cooling system from effectively keeping the engine cool.
Overheating from a coolant leak can damage components within the engine, and if the coolant continues to leak, this issue will only worsen. It’s important to determine the severity of the problem as soon as it’s noticed. We’ll discuss this more in-depth below.
Nip into Natrad where a qualified technician can perform a free cooling system check.
Can I drive a car with a radiator leak?Depending on the severity of the leak, you might get away with driving with a leaking radiator for a short time. Eventually, as your vehicle cycles coolant, the lack of coolant liquid will cause your car to overheat – which will likely damage various engine components. This is why it’s a good idea to stop and inspect the issue as soon as you notice it.How long can I drive my car without a working radiator?A car with a broken radiator might drive for only a few minutes before its engine overheats. How long it lasts will depend on how much you work the engine, how fast you drive, how hot the day is and how little coolant is actually inside your cooling system.
You might be able to drive yourself to your nearest mechanic or Natrad workshop even if your coolant leaks, but we suggest you only do this if they’re extremely close by. The longer you drive with a fault in your cooling system, the more time your car has to overheat.
As a temporary fix, you can put distilled water in your radiator to give yourself more driving time. Keep in mind that water is not a healthy replacement for coolant and that it will still be leaking while you drive.
If you’re going to drive to us, then remember to keep an eye on your dashboard temperature gauge to make sure your engine isn’t overheating. If it’s getting too hot, pull over, turn off your engine and let it cool back down again.
DO NOT pour cold water on a hot engine or radiator. Different materials react differently to rapid temperature changes, and splashing parts in cold water can damage your components.How does a radiator leak affect the heater core?A radiator leak can significantly impact your vehicle’s heater core (also known as the heater). Leaking coolant can affect the heater core’s ability to function properly. The heater core is responsible for warming the air that enters your cabin, keeping you at a comfortable, warm temperature.
With a radiator leak, reduced coolant levels can hinder this process, preventing your heater from warming the air and making for uncomfortable driving conditions in colder weather. Promptly addressing radiator leaks is important for maintaining your vehicle’s ability to provide warmth.
