What To Do When Your Car Overheats

Imagine you're driving down the road, enjoying your day when suddenly your car's temperature gauge spikes and you notice steam coming from under the hood. You realize your engine is overheating. Experiencing an overheating engine is a common occurrence that can become risky and hazardous if not properly addressed.

Why do engines overheat?

Engines need a mixture of air, fuel, and spark to create combustion and produce power. If this mixture isn’t properly balanced, it can cause your engine to run too hot. An overheating engine can be caused by low coolant levels, an old radiator, a broken thermostat or water pump, or even the wrong type of oil.

What should you do when your car overheats?

If your engine begins to overheat, the most crucial step is to immediately pull over. Next, switch off the air conditioning and turn on the heater to reduce heat buildup in the engine area. To keep yourself safe, don’t open the hood until the engine has sufficiently cooled. Once it is cool, check the coolant level and top it off if necessary.

If the problem persists, don’t attempt to drive your car any further. It’s best to call a tow truck or roadside assistance service to get your car safely to a mechanic. A professional can diagnose and repair the issue before it becomes a major problem.

How to prevent an overheated car engine

Preventing an overheating engine is much easier than dealing with one. Here are some tips to keep your engine running cool:

• Regular coolant flushes and exchanges: Regularly flushing and exchanging the coolant in your car can prevent blockages and leaks in the cooling system.
• Radiator maintenance: Keep the radiator and cooling system clean and free of debris to ensure efficient cooling.
• Routine inspections: Have your car regularly inspected for any issues that can lead to an overheating engine.
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What not to do when your engine overheats

To prevent further engine damage, it is crucial to stay composed and avoid common mistakes. Here are some actions to avoid:

• Don't panic: Panicking can cause you to make hasty decisions that can be dangerous.
• Don't keep driving: Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause significant damage to the engine and other components.
• Don't open the hood immediately: Opening the hood immediately after the engine overheats can cause steam and hot coolant to escape, which can cause injury.
• Don't let the issue linger: Ignoring an overheating engine can lead to more severe damage and expensive repairs.

An overheating engine is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately. It's important to recognize the signs of an overheating engine and take action quickly to prevent further damage or potential accidents. To keep your car running cool, it’s essential to have regular inspections and maintenance done on your cooling system and radiator. Don't let an overheated car engine linger as doing so can lead to more severe damage and expensive repairs!

Call our team today if you need help with any automotive repair needs – we’re happy to help get you back on track safely!