The importance of regular preventative maintenance cannot be stressed enough; however, it’s easy to lose track of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule while trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between. But when regular maintenance is ignored, it can result in serious issues that can prove costly, and one of those issues is engine overheats.
At one point or another, a car’s engine can overheat. Whether the engine is overworked, or the cooling system is compromised, both may result in overheating which can cause major damage, or even worse, a seized engine. Following these simple tips to prevent engine overheats can help you avoid unnecessary damage and expensive repairs.
- Pay attention to the temperature gauge. Most of us don’t pay attention to the gauges in our cars, especially while driving, but the temperature gauge is an important feature and will let you know if the engine is becoming too hot. If you notice that the temperature of your vehicle is higher than it should be, pull over and pop the hood so that the engine can cool down. If this happens often, it might be a good time to get your cooling system checked out.
- Put in neutral and rev up the engine. If you notice the temp of your car getting hotter, wait until you can pull over or stop and put the gear in neutral. Start revving the engine so that the fan will create more air and enable the coolant.
- Check radiator cap and coolant reservoir often. The radiator cap has a big responsibility – maintaining pressure to prevent overheats and boil overs. Make sure the cap is in good working condition and positioned properly on the radiator. As for the coolant, low levels are one of the most common reasons for engine overheats. Make it a habit to check your coolant levels and replenish the reservoir when it starts getting low.
- Inspect the drive belt. The drive belt is responsible for delivering power to the cooling system. If it becomes damaged or breaks, the circulation of coolant will cease, resulting in an overheated engine. Have the drive belt inspected for wear and tear and get it replaced if there are any signs damage.
- Turn off the AC and crank up the blower. It can get really hot in the cabin when you use this little trick, but turning off the AC and putting the blower on high will suck heat from the engine and help lower it’s temperature.
- Safely pull over. When your car’s temperature continues to increase, the best thing you can do to avoid potential damage is to safely pull over and allow time for a cool down. Turn off the engine, open the hood, and wait at least 15 minutes or until the steam has diminished, then pour water over the radiator to further lower the temp. Only do this once the engine has had time to cool off, or you will risk cracking the engine block.
- Be prepared. It is always a good idea to keep your vehicle stocked with extra water and coolant in case you run into any trouble while traveling. If you do start to overheat, allow time for your car to cool off and add water to the radiator.
When overheating becomes problematic, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take your vehicle to a reputable auto repair shop to have it checked out by a certified auto technician. Doing so can minimize serious damage and costly repairs, but most importantly, prevent breakdowns that might leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Carworks of Longmont has provided trusted auto maintenance and auto repair services for customers in Longmont and the neighboring communities since 1993. Our ASE certified auto technicians are experienced and qualified to service virtually any make or model vehicle. Whether engine overheats or regular maintenance of your car’s cooling system, our team at Carworks is here for all your auto service needs.
If your car is overheating and you need professional auto maintenance or repair services, call the experts at Carworks of Longmont today!