How to Handle an Overheated Car Engine?

Are you getting stuck in a hot car in the summer heat? Have you suffered from engine overheating? It's enough to make you melt!

And when it happens, you don't want to be left stranded in the middle of nowhere or wondering whether you need to call for roadside repair or a tow truck. And even if your engine temperature does not reach dangerous levels, overheating can lead to severe problems like premature wear and tear.

Fortunately, you can do a few things to prevent engine overheating causes from happening in the first place. Read through the following blog at Autobest, which will undoubtedly clear your queries such as, “what happens when a car overheats, what to do when a car keeps overheating”, and many others. These tips will help you avoid an overheated car and brief you about the steps you can take if your vehicle begins to run hot.

How can I avoid engine overheating, and why does it happen?

While a little overheating might cause little more than a few gallons of water to boil away, the more serious issue of not monitoring the temperature in your engine could be just as devastating. There are multiple car overheating causes. Overheating happens because something in your engine is causing more heat than it can handle. That something could be an obstruction in your radiator, a busted coolant fan, or another problem. In addition, sudden and frequent temperature spikes can signify a leak in your cooling system that would necessitate repairs.

The simplest way to prevent an overheated car from further damageis to keep it well-maintained. Check the coolant and air conditioning system when you take your vehicle for maintenance at the dealership or a local repair shop. Over time, antifreeze degrades, and an ageing cooling system doesn't do as well as keeping your engine at proper temperatures. In addition, many mechanics routinely overfill a vehicle’s cooling system, which can cause the engine to overheat. If your car usually overheats when driving on the highway or experiencing heavy traffic, it could be something as simple as a clogged radiator or low coolant level. Overheated engines tend to happen during hot summer when the weather is most extreme. However, you should still regularly check the condition of your cooling system and alert someone professionally.

What symptoms indicate an overheating engine?

If your car is facing overheating, you may face the following symptoms:

Your air conditioner may fail to work or operate more slowly.
The emergence of steam from the front hood of the car.
Engine temperature gauges can also spike or move into the red area of the gauge, indicating that the car is overheating.
Origin of strange odour from the front part of the car. This could be caused by various issues, such as failing fuel or pressure sensors or a leaking differential or transmission fluid.

5 measures to take if your engine is overheating

1. Switch on the heater

At first, it might sound counterintuitive, but turning on the heater is suitable for your car and engine. The warmth from the air inside your vehicle will make it less stressful for your machine and cooling system. If that doesn’t work, you can always lower the temperature of your air conditioner or turn on an alternate form of heating.

2. Pullover

If you're on your way to work or school and your car overheats, pull over immediately and turn off the engine if the engine doesn't crank back up after a few minutes.

3. Sit tight

If your car has overheated, do not attempt to open the hood while it’s still hot. Instead, wait 15 minutes and let the engine cool. Once you open the hood and see that coolant is leaking out, call the assistant or use a depressant-removal product like those sold at auto parts stores to eliminate excess water.

4. Add coolant

If the engine cools below average operating temperature within 15 minutes, check to see if there is coolant in your overflow reservoir. If not, add more water or coolant. Then turn on the engine and test drive until the temperature usually returns.

5. Drive to the service area

It’s essential to keep an eye on the car’s temperature gauge while driving. Things like fluid under the car, steam coming out of the hood or coolant leaking can all be signs of a damaged system. If you notice these things, pull over and have your car towed to a repair shop.

FAQs

1. How do you cool down an overheated car?

It's time to cool down an overheated car, with this simple fix. Just turn off the air conditioner and use the heater. This can help your vehicle stay cooler longer and protect it from damage if you ever have to do a jump start.

2. What to do and not do when your car overheats?

To do:

Cool off an overheated car by turning off the air conditioner. Running the AC puts a heavy load on your engine and could cause it to overheat. Turn on the heater instead; it'll use less gas and keep you safer.

To not do:

Don’t rush the removal of your vehicle’s hood. Instead, wait for the engine temperature gauge to settle before opening the hood.

3. Is it safe to drive a car that overheats?

Driving with an overheated car can cause severe damage in minutes, so it's essential to take action immediately. Stop as soon as you feel the temperature rising. Turn off the engine, then pull over and stay calm while you wait for the vehicle to cool down.