Steam rising from under the hood or the temperature gauge on your car is higher than usual is usually a sign of a vehicle overheating. It can really be a hassle and even dangerous. To prevent further harm to your engine, you must take immediate action.
Make Prevention a Priority
But before anything else, keep in mind that efficient and regular maintenance is essential to keeping your car in prime operating condition. The coolant in cars needs to be changed every two years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
What to Do When Your Car is Overheating
Now let's get to the heart of the matter. In case you notice that your car is overheating, here’s a step-by-step procedure on how to deal with it.
1. Park your car in a safe location.
It's crucial to stop, as soon as you realize that your car’s engine is getting too hot, preferably in a secure, flat, and spacious area that’s free of traffic. But, as this is not usually the case, just park at the roadside as soon as possible. Do not drive your car further when it is overheating as this can seriously harm the engine and result in more expensive repairs or even irreversible damage.
2. Turn off your car’s engine.
Once your vehicle is in a relatively safe spot, turn off its engine immediately. This is to help prevent engine damage and allow it to cool down. Keep in mind that you should never open the hood or touch any part of the engine until it has cooled down.
3. Check if the coolant level is low.
Low coolant levels are the main reason for an overheating car. It's possible that the coolant system has a leak if you've just recently filled it up. Checking the coolant level should be done after the engine has completely cooled down. Look for coolant reservoir when you are able to open the hood. It is typically a white translucent plastic container at the engine side or near the radiator. Add extra coolant if the level is low until it reaches the maximum level.
4. Look for signs of coolant leaks.
When the coolant level goes down, it usually indicates that the system might be leaking. Try to see if there was a trail of fluid when you pulled over, or look for indications of coolant seeping under your car or on the ground where you parked. Get your automobile towed to a mechanic for repair if you see coolant leaking. A coolant leak while you're driving can seriously harm your engine.
5. Check if the radiator cap is damaged.
One of the most crucial parts of the cooling system in your car is the radiator cap. It helps control the cooling system's pressure and stops coolant from boiling over. Never ever try to open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, much less when there is obvious overheating as it can cause severe burns. Allow the engine to totally cool down first. When it’s safe, check the radiator cap for wear or damage. Make sure you replace it if it’s damaged.
6. Check if the thermostat is malfunctioning.
Another important component of your vehicle's cooling system is the thermostat. It controls the flow of coolant into the engine. If your thermostat fails, it might cause your automobile to overheat.
Check the thermostat after the engine has totally cooled down. The thermostat is normally located on the engine block near where the upper radiator hose connects and is enclosed in a metal or plastic casing that links the hose to the engine. Examine the thermostat for evidence of damage or wear. If it shows signs of damage, you need to have it replaced asap.
7. Check if the water pump is damaged.
The coolant is injected into the engine through the water pump. Your automobile may overheat if the water pump isn't working properly. Examine it when the engine is cool, looking for any damage or wear.
Final Thoughts
If your automobile is overheating, you must act fast to prevent more harm to the engine. It would be better to call for roadside assistance and have your trusted mechanic or "casa" have a look at your vehicle.
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