Can I drive my 1992 Honda Civic DX???

I have the vehicle named above. This morning after driving to work, I
noticed that the engine temperature was much higher than normal, and
there was coolant on the ground. Then I tried the heat in the car, and
only cool air would blow out from the heater. I turned off the car
immediately.

I don't know if this is the water pump, a hose, or the radiator. I
have an appointment with my mechanic in a few days.

Can I drive this vehicle at all without damaging it? May I drive it
short distances if I watch the heat guage? Thanks for the
information...

 

I would avoid driving it.

If you must drive it, have a gallon of at least distilled water in the back.
Check the reservoir level after every trip. Have the heater set on high, and
run the blower full speed.

If the temperature gage climbs high, stop the car.

The risk you are running is not having proper cooling of the engine, the
outcome of which can be a warped cylinder head and damage that will cost in
the thousands to repair.

 

You're way low on coolant, as shown by lack of heat. Fill and bleed the
radiator first, warm it up fully and check for leaks, then decide.

 

And check why you're low, too. This is often a sign of a failed head
gasket. If ignored, this will trash your engine.

 

could be a busted 14 year old hose.

fill it with water, start it, see where the water goes. i wouldnt drive
a car with a leak that severe.

 

An improperly bleeding on certain motors can blow coolant into the
pavement caused by steam. Honda permits driving the vehicle as
long as the needle does not touch the red mark.

 

I would agree, _as long as_ the cooling system is full. The temp gauge only
works properly when the temp sensor is fully immersed in coolant. If its not
full, the gauge may show its not in the red, even though it is.