What to do when your car overheats
Would you know what to do if your car overheats?
It was reported that last year was the hottest year in recorded history, and if this year is anything like it you may very well find yourself in an overheating car! We take a look at some ways in which you can handle the situation and also how you could prevent it from happening in the first place!
So how do you know if your car is overheating? Every car has a temperate gauge on the dashboard! it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on this, especially when the temperate is hot outside!
If the gauge starts increasing, this is cause for concern! Make sure you keep an eye on it, as if it continues to rise into the red area – then you know your car is overheating!
Here are some tips if your car is overheating!
Turn off the AC and turn on the heater!
While this seems unintuitive, turning the heater on actually helps the engine cool down! By turning on the heater, the high temperatures present in the engine compartment will be directed to the interior of the car. This won’t be pleasant while in the car, but you will help the engine reduce temperate! Turning off the AC is also a must, as it lessons the load on the engine. Opening your windows will more than likely be necessary as the heat blasting you from the engine will be unbearable!
Rev the engine a bit!
If you see that your car is overheating and you’re sitting in heavy traffic, change into neutral and rev the engine a bit. Sitting in traffic with the engine idling means that very little water is being pumped through the engine. Revving the engine will make the fan speed up and draw more liquid through the radiator. The air and liquid circulation are what cool your engine off!
Only brake when you have to!
Braking causes drag which causes the engine to heat up as the load is increased. It is better to crawl along slowly and only accelerate just enough to get you going when the gap in front of you gets large enough. If you constantly accelerate and brake your engine is going to get much hotter!
When should you turn the engine off?
If you see steam or smoke, this is when you HAVE to switch the engine off! Pull over to the safest place you can and switch the engine off!
Apart from your temperature gauge almost certainly being in the red, if your engine starts to steam – that is a definite indication it’s time to stop. Just idling in traffic is not enough, the engine needs to switch off and cool down.
At this stage it is also recommended that you get out and let the car cool down a bit! Remaining in the car may put you at risk of injury, in the case of a vehicle fire!
Once you’ve waited a bit and there is no sign of fire, open the bonnet. Be careful though, the bonnet may be quite hot – so using gloves or a wet towel to do this is advisable! Once you’ve done this, wait some more and really let the engine block cool down, at least half an hour!
Check the coolant!
Next step will be to check the coolant level. The most common reasons for an overheating engine will be either the water or coolant levels being too low. This can be a result of a leak or crack or simply not ever being replaced over time. Check the owner’s manual of your vehicle for more information as to how to check the levels of these. If your car is overheating, it is more than likely a result of something leaking! So you need to have it checked out!
If you need a quick fix!
If you’re in an unsafe area or desperately need to be somewhere, you can keep refilling the radiator and reservoir. THIS IS NOT A LONG TERM SOLUTION! Only resort to this if you absolutely have to!
Using a glove or towel, try and twist off the radiator cap. It will be very hot so be careful! Then refill with coolant or water if necessary. This will temporarily reduce the temperature, but keep watching the gauge as the temperature is likely to keep rising!
How to prevent your car overheating?
Basically just make sure you have your car regularly serviced. Make sure you check your coolant levels, before the car is busy overheating. Check your water levels as well.
Especially with these extreme temperatures, next time you fill up ask the petrol attendant to check your water levels!
Source: IOL