Any tips for driving 2 hours with a cracked radiator?

Question

I have to drive two hours today in my chevy metro in order to get the radiator replaced. Any tips for making it to my destination as smoothly as possible?

Answer 1

I would find a way to tow it.  I had my radiator crack and decided I would just drive it the mile and a half to the shop that was going to replace it.  $300 later and with a brand new radiator the car still didn't work right.  The excessive over heating that the drive took ruined my engine.  If you stop about every block (100ft) and replace the water and let the engine cool down you may be ok but I wouldn't risk it.  Either have a tow truck take it the 2 miles or find another way to get it there.  I've had personal experience trying to do it the easy way and drive it and its just not worth it, especially in a car as cheap as the metro.  The amount of damage and the cost it could take to repair it could almost buy you a new one.  You can probably just get 4 friends to push it to the garage and it would be safer......

Answer 2

lots and lots of water but i would tow it or you will risk serious engine damage

Answer 3

Fill it up before you depart, and do not stop the engine while in route (like for a break). As long as the radiator is full when you leave, and you keep the motor running the levels should be ok.  Its when you stop, and the motor heats up and you lose coolant is the big issue.

Answer 4

just take a few gallons of water with u. anytime u see the temp gauge go up add some water. dont use antifreeze cause its like ten bucks a gallon just to have ur car p**s it out neways. water will work perfect. had same issue with my 97 barette

Answer 5

if the crack is up high on the radiator take water and go for it

if the crack is low, consider towing

whatever you do if you stop along the way to put water in it DO NOT open the radiator cap use the overflow to add water.

Answer 6

I saw this on myth busters. But depending on how big the leak is.They cracked a egg in the radiator, and the egg residue found it's way to the leak and when the car got hot enuff it cooked the egg sealing the hole.