Dont put cold water in hot empty radiator

A week ago I was driving and realised that the Xtrail was overheating. I immediately stopped the engine and looked for some water. I went to a corner shop and asked for fiji water. The shopkeeper asked if I wanted cold or a hot bottle and stupidly I opted for the cold bottle.


I slowly opened the radiator and then realised it was empty. In the back of my mind was the idea to wait for engine to cool down but we were in a rush and I stopped in car in an illegal parking area.

The next thing that happened after pouring the water is that it autimatically boiled got some more water and then tried to start the engine. Ended up having to call motor service who came and towed the vehicle. Mechanic said a gasket was probably blown

When I got home our guest staying from Australia commented that when putting water into a radiator you need to turn the engine on otherwise you break the gasket good to know that now. I very expensive lesson as my company has been quoted $1,300 to replace the radiator.

After telling a lot of people my experience the seems to be significant number that has blow their gasket on their cars this way. It doesnt seem logical that a car engine can be broken by cold water.