The engine of a vehicle typically works well on normal temperature. However, if your engine begins to overheat, you must know what to do to avoid long-term damage. Temperatures in a normal vehicle engine vary from 195 °F to 220 °F. At these temperatures, the engine maintains correct pollution management, as well as consistent performance and excellent fuel efficiency. However, an engine's cooling system may sometimes fail, causing the engine to overheat. Here's what to do.
Turn on the heating system
It may seem paradoxical, but it is advised to turn on the heating. It draws heat away from the heated engine into the passenger cabin, reducing the strain on the engine's cooling system. In some cases, this may be enough to reverse the overheating. If the warning light goes off or the temperature gauge returns to neutral, it is an indication that it has worked.
Pull Over
When your engine overheats, the first thing you should do is pull over and let it cool down. If your vehicle remains overheated, it may lead to serious damage and perhaps the vehicle shutting down. Pulling over and inspecting your vehicle will give it a chance to cool down before you resume driving. Also, if you call a technician, you may be able to find the problem and get it fixed quickly.
Check your coolant level
When your engine overheats, one of the first things you should do is check your coolant level. This is because coolant is critical in maintaining your vehicle's temperature. Additionally, this is one of the simplest do-it-yourself solutions for resolving your overheating problem. Once the vehicle has cooled, you may check the coolant level and add extra using a funnel. When done, ensure that the compartment is properly closed.
Clean Out Your Coolant System
The next step is to flush your coolant system. This is something that should be left to professionals, or at the very least, someone with expertise. If you have never changed your coolant before, you should schedule an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Visit Your Mechanic
Once you've determined that your overheating problems aren't the result of a minor problem, you should see a mechanic right away. This is due to the fact that there are several possible reasons for overheating. The majority of these problems are far too complicated for the average person to fix. Taking it to a mechanic allows you to quickly determine what's causing it and what you can do to fix it.
Takeaways
- Replace the coolant in the radiator about every 30,000 miles.
- Every five years, a full radiator flush is required.
- If your vehicle is overheating, take frequent pauses.
- A heated engine's radiator cap should never be removed.
Conclusion
Overheating may be caused by a simple issue like a ruptured hose or a more serious issue like a broken radiator or an issue with the engine's internals. If you need engine repair, don't hesitate to give Eurasian Auto Repair a call today!