Tips To Keep Your Car From Overheating & What To Do If It Does

Jun 9, 2020 | Automotive Advice, Blog, Car Maintenance, Cooling System, Engine, Total Car Care

Overheating Audi

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year in America and for a few reasons; camping, road trips, and spending time enjoying the beach. It’s also one of the most convenient times in the year to enjoy driving your car. Overheating is one of the common causes of breakdowns in most vehicles in the U.S during the summer. When your vehicle overheats, it’s usually a symptom of a problem with your car cooling system.

The moment you notice your vehicle’s temperature going up, it is important not to panic. While an overheating engine could mean catastrophic engine failure, it could also be due to several other reasons. The most common causes of a heating engine are low coolant levels. Fortunately for you, it is easy to remedy. If you suspect your vehicle has a more severe issue, it is best to consult a professional car care center such as AAMCO Central Florida.

Related: Reasons Your Car Is Overheating Infographic
Related: 4 Common Transmission Issues
Related: High Mileage Car Maintenance

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    Check Your Coolant Level

    Your engine coolant is the fluid that runs through your engine to help regulate the operating temperature and help prevent it from overheating. When your engine coolant level is below the minimum mark on your reservoir, there is a significant risk of your car overheating. Low coolant level could also mean that there is a leak in the system-This needs to be inspected by a professional mechanic.

    Monitor your temperature

    Depending on the type of car you own, several gauges warn you of any problems with your vehicle. These gauges need to be monitored all the time since they offer valuable information on the state of your car. Drivers use this gauge to help them see if their engines are beginning to run warm, which can indicate a problem. In case your vehicle doesn’t have a temperature gauge, you should consider getting an aftermarket replacement.

    Smoking car

    Turn off the air conditioner in scorching temperatures

    Did you know that using your air conditioner when it is hot will cause your car to overheat? When you turn on your air conditioner, it places a lot of strain on your engine, forcing it to work harder, and also run hotter. As your engine heats up, your coolant also heats up. When it is boiling outside, your engine coolant will not be able to dissipate the heat as effectively, resulting in overheating.

    Related: Tropical Weather Care Guide

    Overheating car

    What to Do When Your Car Overheats

    When your car suddenly stalls and the temperature gauge is in the red zone, you mustn’t panic. Instead, do the following:

    Pullover from the highway and park at the road shoulder.

    Wait at least 30 minutes for your car to cool down completely. You will speed up the cooling process if you can pop up the hood with the latch inside your car cabin. You mustn’t attempt to open the hood when the engine is hot.

    Check your coolant reservoir

    Your reservoir is located underneath your hood; it’s a translucent plastic tank located near the radiator. If you notice your reservoir is empty or low with fluid, and you have let your engine cool down, refill this tank with new antifreeze liquid.

    Check your hoses for a leakage

    If your vehicle is overheating, it could also mean that there is a leak in your car cooling system. A tiny drip can cause a massive puddle over time. Also, if you can spot a coolant puddle on your driveway or garage floor, it could point towards a leakage in your car cooling system.

    Contact a professional mechanic immediately

    After pulling over the road shoulders, pooping up the hood, contact your local AAMCO Central Florida mechanic and request for assistance towing your car. Our expert mechanics will tow your vehicle, inspect your cooling system, and perform the necessary repairs.

    AAMCO Central Florida: Providing The Best Cooling System Service Around

    AAMCO Central Florida is a leading transmission repair and maintenance service in the region. Our professional technicians backed by our state-of-the-art equipment make us the number one choice for vehicle owners in Central Florida. We also offer cooling system maintenance and repair service, brake system repair, suspension systems service, factory recommended service, among others.

    Does your car keep overheating even after filling it up with coolant? It could be due to a leak in your cooling system. Our professional mechanics will diagnose and advise you on the necessary repairs. Call or visit us today; our mechanics will be more than glad to get you back on the road with zero issues.

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