Do’s and Don’ts for Overheating Cars

More than 91% of Americans rely on cars as a mode of transportation; without them, our schedules would likely be rendered useless. We need to prevent situations where our cars become a nuisance rather than a convenience. One such case is overheating of our vehicles.

Overheating can be caused because of problems with the cooling system, which can suffer damages like a coolant leak, a broken radiator fan, a faulty water pump, or a blocked coolant hose. Overheating is an issue you must immediately address, as you may be unable to afford the time it takes to get to the mechanic.

Signs Your Engine Is Overheating

Sometimes, when you realize your car is overheating, it can be too late to solve the problem. Look for these signs when driving to take adequate measures at the right time.

• Steam: Heavy steam will escape from under the hood when your car overheats.
• Temperature Gauge: In an overheating state, your dashboard’s temperature gauge sign will show an inclination towards the ‘H’ symbol. The symbol can vary with the model of the car you are driving. You should consult a manual to be sure of the symbols.
• Smell: you will be able to smell a weirdly sweet, burnt smell. This comes from the leaking coolant, while the burnt smell will be from a fuel leak.

Do’s for Overheating Cars

Right after identifying an overheating situation, you immediately need to take these steps.

1.    Stop the AC

Your first order of business should be minimizing the load on your engine. To do this, immediately turn off your air conditioning and put your heater on full. This situation might be inconvenient for you, especially in the summers. By raising the heat, you are pulling the heat away from your engine. You should then prioritize pulling up to a safe and shady location as soon as possible.

2.    Turn the Car Off

After you have pulled over to a good place, promptly turn off your car. You need to allow the vehicle to cool down for at least fifteen minutes before starting the engine again. When your vehicle is cooling, keep an eye on the temperature gauge to assess the car’s state.

While you wait for the car to cool, you can focus on planning. Try searching for nearby places that provide car services, and consider calling a tow truck or the fire department to help move your car to a workshop.

3.    Add Coolant

One reason your car is heating up is the lack of coolant. Luckily, you do not require a mechanic to help you add coolant to your vehicle and can easily do it yourself. Carefully pop your vehicle’s hood open and check if the radiator reservoir’s coolant is low. If this is the issue, add more coolant to the tank.

You can also consult your car’s user manual for instructions on how to add coolant. Carrying around a bottle of coolant with you is always a good idea for this reason. If you do not have it, try finding nearby shops that sell it.

4.    Restart Your Car

Sometimes, the time of day or lack of signals can prevent you from getting assistance towing your car to a repair shop. If this is the case, you should carefully start the engine again after it has cooled down and promptly drive to a nearby workshop or an area where you can get help taking your car to the repair center. While going, keep the temperature gauge into consideration and ensure your vehicle does not overheat again. This repetition can be catastrophic for your car.

Don’ts for Overheating Cars

Here’s what not to do:

1.    Don’t Continue Driving

You must not ignore the signs of overheating and must pull up to a shady area. If you fail, your car will most likely break down in the middle of the road during traffic causing more problems for you and those around you. During overheating, a lot of pressure develops in your engine’s hydraulic cylinder, which may also cause your car to explode.

2.    Don’t Panic

Understanding that overheating can be fixed and does not ruin your car is vital. There is no need to panic in such a situation and create havoc. Instead, you should focus on keeping a calm and rational mind, avoiding traffic, and not overuse your brakes when driving to the repair shop.

If you are unsure about how to deal with an overheating vehicle, you always have the option to phone an emergency hotline or friend for assistance. If you cannot reach someone, try to wait for a passerby to seek help or consult your car’s manual, which you should always have.

3.    Don’t Immediately Open the Hood

After you have pulled over, you must let your car cool down before you attempt to open the hood. The hood will be extremely hot, and the machinery inside the hood will be even hotter. If you immediately open the hood, you are more likely to be at risk of burns and other injuries. You should only try it once your needle starts to point away from the heating gauge’s symbol ‘H.’ Be careful to cover your hands while doing so, either with gloves or a thick cloth. After opening the hood, you will face a massive gust of steam. Be sure to protect your eyes during this. Continue to use covering for your hands when meddling with the engine inside.

4.    Don’t Ignore the Problem

After your car has cooled down after adding a coolant and waiting a considerable period, do not drive off, ignoring the issue altogether. By ignoring the case, your problem will only exacerbate. Constant overheating can cause the cylinder to crush the gas casket. Damage to the gas casket can cause coolant to leak, damaging other parts of the engine.

You must immediately take your vehicle to a service provider and have a thorough check-up done. The professional can help repair and explain issues regarding why your car heated up. You should also consult your mechanic on how you can avoid such a situation in the future and how to better deal with it. It’s better to see a specialized luxury and European car service if your car is of those models.

Endnote

It is vital to understand that overheating occurs commonly, but it is an issue we can easily prevent. You can do this through regular coolant exchanges, radiator maintenance, and following your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. By being prompt with your upkeep, you will not only prevent your car from overheating but also avoid a hefty bill.

If you keep up proper maintenance, the chances of your car overheating are less likely. In unfortunate circumstances, this does occur. You should keep a cool head and follow the above steps. This will ensure no long-lasting damage occurs to your vehicle and allow you to handle the tricky situation tactfully.