When drivers enter their cars, they expect to reach their destination without issue. If disaster strikes, they often panic. An overheating car is enough to send anybody scrambling. They worry about how much the repair will cost. What should they know when their car overheats so they don’t cause more damage?
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Why Cars Overheat
There are several reasons a car may overheat. Typically, the problem is within the cooling system. Heat is no longer able to exit the engine compartment. There may be a leak in the cooling system, the radiator fan may be bad, or the water pump may be faulty. If the vehicle is low on engine oil, the car could overheat, and a thermostat failure can lead to this issue. An overheating car must be addressed immediately. If a driver continues operating their vehicle while it is overheating, they could do permanent damage. They must take it to a facility offering auto repair in Louisville, KY, to avoid worsening the problem.
Signs a Vehicle is Overheating
Drivers need to watch for signs their engine is overheating. When any of these signs are seen, they must immediately stop the car and work to cool the engine. Allowing the engine to cool reduces the risk of it failing and the engine being damaged irreversibly. Signs to watch for include steam coming from under the hood. This steam may look like smoke. When the engine temperature gauge reaches the H or goes into the red, this is a sign the car is overheating. Furthermore, individuals often notice an unusual smell coming from the front of the vehicle. The smell may be coming from coolant or oil that is leaking.
Steps to Take When the Engine is Overheating
When drivers notice their engine is overheating, they should immediately turn the air conditioner off. The air conditioner places stress on the engine. Next, switch the dial to maximum heat to help pull heat away from the engine. However, at the same time, the driver should look for a spot where they can pull off safely. The most important thing to do is stop the car as soon as possible and allow the engine to cool down. Turning the vehicle dial to heat only gives the driver a few minutes to find a safe location to stop.
Turn the vehicle off and allow the engine to cool. Wait a minimum of 15 minutes before taking any further action. While waiting for the engine to cool, call for help. When the 15-minute period ends, turn the vehicle back on and see where the temperature gauge is. If the engine has cooled down, it is safe to open the hood. Wait to do so until the temperature gauge is in the normal range again. Opening the hood too quickly could lead to burns and other injuries as steam escapes from the engine.
When the engine has thoroughly cooled, add water to the radiator. Drive the vehicle to the nearest repair shop or tow it to prevent engine damage. If driving the vehicle, continue watching the temperature gauge. If it overheats again, immediately stop the car and repeat the above steps.
What Not to Do
Don’t panic if the vehicle overheats. Stop the car in a safe location and follow the steps outlined above. Immediately have the vehicle examined by a licensed mechanic to determine the issue. This problem will not resolve itself.
Regular maintenance can help catch problems early. Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle yearly; if anything changes with how it operates, take it in sooner. Prompt action helps keep repair costs down while ensuring the car is safe to drive.
