What to Do If Your Car’s Engine Overheats

If your engine overheats, it can be a scary experience. Your car may start shaking and you may see steam coming from the engine. If this happens, don’t panic! There are several things that you can do to help cool down the engine and get back on the road. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if your engine overheats and how to prevent it from happening again. We’ll also provide some tips on how to take care of your engine and keep it running smoothly. 

What Does Overheating Mean?

Your car’s engine is designed to run at a certain temperature. This temperature is usually between 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit. When the engine gets too hot, it means that the internal temperatures have reached beyond this range. This is overheating. Once this happens, it can result in damage to the engine and other components.

Signs Your Car is Overheating

There are several signs that your car may be overheating. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately.

• The temperature gauge on your dash is in the red zone
• You see steam or smoke coming from under the hood
• Your car starts shaking
• The engine smells like it’s burning

Reasons a Car Overheats

Engines overheat for many reasons. Generally, cars overheat because of a problem with the cooling system that doesn’t allow heat to leave the engine compartment. This is often due to a leak or blockage somewhere in the engine cooling system or other components. Other sources may be from a faulty or broken water pump or radiator fan, or from a clogged coolant hose. Further reasons could include:

• The cooling system is not working properly. This could be due to a leak, clog, or low coolant levels.
• The engine is working too hard. This could be due to towing a heavy load, driving in stop-and-go traffic, or climbing a long hill.
• The weather is hot and humid.
• You are low on oil. This can happen if you forget to check your oil level or if you have a leak.

What to Do If Your Engine Overheats

If your engine starts to overheat, there are a few things that you can do to cool it down and get back on the road.

1. First, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater. This will help to remove some of the heat from the engine.
2. Next, pull over and turn off the engine. Let it cool down for at least 20 minutes before checking the coolant level.
3. If the coolant level is low, add more coolant to the radiator. Do not open the radiator cap if the engine is hot!
4. Once the engine has cooled down, start the car and turn on the heater. Drive slowly until you can get to a service station or your destination.

Why You Shouldn’t Keep Driving if Your Car is Overheating

It may be tempting to just keep driving when your car starts to overheat. However, this is not a good idea. Driving with an overheated engine can cause serious damage. The heat can warp the engine parts and cause a loss of power. In extreme cases, it can even cause the engine to catch fire.

How to Prevent Overheating

There are several things that you can do to prevent your engine from overheating, such as:

• Check the coolant level regularly and add coolant when needed.
• Check for leaks in the cooling system and repair them as soon as possible.
• Make sure the cooling fans are working properly.
• Avoid towing heavy loads or driving in stop-and-go traffic when it is hot outside.
• Take your car to a mechanic for regular tune-ups and maintenance.

Stop by Scott’s Auto Repair

If you think your car may be overheating or if you need help with any other auto repair needs. Our team of certified mechanics is here to help keep your car running smoothly. Find a location nearest you today and stop on by!