If your car overheats, it’s essential to stay calm and take the proper steps to address the problem. This blog lists things you should do – and not do – when your car overheats. By following this advice, you can help prevent additional damage to your vehicle and ensure that it’s back up and running as soon as possible.
What Causes a Car to Overheat?
There are several reasons why cars overheat, but some of the most common include:
- Low coolant levels: If there isn’t enough coolant in your car, the radiator can’t properly do its job of keeping the engine temperature down. Check coolant levels regularly and top them off if necessary.
- Faulty radiator: The radiator is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine. If it’s not working correctly, the engine can overheat.
- Thermostat closed: The thermostat regulates coolant flow and controls the engine’s temperature. If it gets stuck in the closed position, it can cause the engine to overheat.
- Blocked radiator: A radiator can become blocked by debris or other objects, preventing coolant from flowing properly. Inspect your radiator regularly and clean it out if necessary.
What to Do When the Engine Overheats
- Pull over as soon as possible: Don’t try to tough it out and drive on. The longer you stay on the road, the more damage you’ll do to your engine.
- Please turn off the engine: Once you’ve pulled over, turn off the engine, and don’t start it again until it’s cooled down.
- Let it cool down: Don’t open the hood right away. The steam from the radiator can burn you. Wait for at least 15 minutes before opening it.
- Open the hood: Once the engine is cool, open the hood and look for any obvious problems, like a loose fan belt or leaks in the cooling system.
- Check the coolant level: If the coolant level is low, add more coolant (make sure to use the correct type). Don’t try to continue driving without enough coolant.
- Call rescue services: Call for help immediately if you notice additional problems, like an oil or transmission fluid leak. Don’t attempt to drive home – you could cause severe damage to your car and potentially put yourself in danger.
What NOT to Do When Car Overheats
- Ignore the problem: Trying to “tough it out,” and drive is almost always a bad idea. Ignoring an overheating car can lead to significant damage or engine failure.
- Depress the gas pedal: Depressing the gas pedal only makes your engine work harder, leading to more heat and making your situation worse.
- Turn on cold air: Switching between hot and cold air will not cool down your engine any faster; in fact, this may cause further damage by blowing dirt into the engine.
- Not consulting your mechanic: If you’re unsure of what to do or how to fix the issue, it’s always best to consult with a professional. Putting off a problem will only worsen it in the long run.
In the event of an overheating car, remember, it is important not to panic and not get flustered. Following the simple steps mentioned above will get you out of trouble. You can avoid the hassle of abruptly heating cars by scheduling frequent vehicle repair and maintenance services at Vann York Toyota, serving High Point, NC. Our experienced automobile repair professionals will take care of everything for you so that your car is running like new in no time! Schedule a service now.
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