Your car overheating is a serious issue that you should not take lightly. If your car has been running hot, you need to take it to a mechanic and find out the problem. In the meantime, however, there are some dos and don’ts you should keep in mind if your car does overheat. This post will examine the dos and don’ts of what to do when your car overheats. Stay safe out on the road.Why Do Engines Overheat?
There can be multiple causes why your engine overheated. It could be a radiator problem, water pump failure, thermostat stuck closed, or a fan clutch that is not working correctly. These are a few problems that could cause your car to overheat. If you’re driving and notice the temperature gauge on your dash is higher than normal, it’s important to take action immediately. Do not ignore the warning signs your car is giving you.Let’s Discuss the Dos
1. Turn Off the Air Conditioner
When you detect your vehicle is overheating, the first thing you’ll want to do is to turn off the air conditioner. Running the AC with the temp gauge in the red puts an extra load on the engine and will make the temperature rise even higher. Also, turn up the heat in the car. That might sound counter-intuitive, but the heater actually helps draw the heat away from the engine – imagine the AC working in reverse!2. Pull Over When Safe and Shut Down the Engine
When you notice the temperature gauge is in the red, it’s important to pull over promptly and turn off the engine. Continuing to drive will only worsen the problem and cause serious damage to your engine.3. Open the Hood after 15 Minutes
Once you’re off the road, open the car’s hood to allow the heat to dissipate. However, wait for at least 15 minutes before doing so, as the engine will still be hot, and you could get burned. Do not try to remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot! The steam and hot coolant can cause serious burns.4. Check Coolant Levels
Check the coolant levels once the engine has cooled and add more if needed. The coolant should be at the “full” line on the reservoir tank. If not, open the radiator cap (when it’s cool!) and add a 50/50 water and coolant mixture.Let’s Discuss the Don’ts
1. Don’t Panic
The most important thing to remember when your car overheats is not to panic. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed, but that won’t do anything to help the situation. Think through the steps you need to fix the problem.2. Don’t Continue to Drive
If your car starts to overheat, the worst thing you can do is continue to drive. This will only make the problem worse and potentially cause serious damage to your engine. Pullover as soon as possible and turn off the engine.Courtesy Buick GMC, serving Midfield, AL, is a great dealership service center to take your car to if it starts to overheat or if you require car services. Our certified car technicians will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and get your car back on the road in no time. Schedule a service appointment now!
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