If you’re a car owner, there’s a good chance you’ll experience an overheating car at some point. It’s a scary feeling, but you can handle the situation like a pro with the proper knowledge and precautions.
In this post, Acura of Tempe will outline what to do when your car overheats and some preventative measures to keep your engine running smoothly. Thanks for reading!
Car Overheat: What Is It?
Your engine comprises many moving parts that generate heat as they work. The cooling system keeps the car’s engine from overheating by circulating coolant through radiator hoses and the engine block.
If the cooling system isn’t working properly, the engine will overheat. The cooling system itself is a closed-loop, so if there is a leak, the coolant level will drop and needs to be refilled.
How To Figure Out If Your Car Is Overheating?
There are several ways to tell if your car is overheating. The most obvious sign is the temperature gauge on the dash, which should be in the normal range. If it starts to climb into the red zone, that indicates that the engine is getting too hot.
Another way to tell is by looking at the temperature of the radiator hoses. If they feel hot to the touch, that means coolant is circulating through them, and they’re doing their job. However, if one of the hoses feels cooler than the other, that could indicate a problem.
What to Do When Your Car Overheats
If your car starts to overheat, here’s what you can do:
- Pullover to a safe location and turn off the engine.
- Let your ride cool down for a few minutes before opening the hood.
- Check the radiator to see if it needs water or coolant.
- Once your engine has cooled, check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
- If your car continues to overheat, call a tow truck and have it towed to a nearby service station or dealership for repairs.
Preventative Measures
To prevent your automobile from overheating, here are some tips:
- Check the radiator regularly and add coolant or water as needed. A radiator flush can also be helpful.
- In summers, park in the shade and allow the vehicle to cool.
- Never pull off the radiator cap while the engine is hot. This can cause serious burns.
- Have your car’s cooling system checked regularly by a mechanic.
- Check hoses and clamps for leaks and wear and replace as needed.
- Keep your engine dirt-free and free of debris.
- Have your cooling system serviced every 30,000 miles or so by a qualified mechanic & bleed the brakes regularly.
- Keep an eye on your engine’s temp gauge and stop driving if it gets too hot.
- Avoid idling for long periods.
If you follow these simple tips, you can help prevent your car from overheating and breaking down. However, if your car does overheat, remember to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Then, call a local tow truck to have it towed to a nearby service station or dealership for repairs.
If your car is giving you heat-up troubles or you need a tune-up, our skilled technicians can help. We offer a huge range of automotive services, from simple oil changes to more complex engine repairs. Acura Of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, is your one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment.
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