What To Do When Your Car Overheats

By Author: car services in Reading
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Why do engines overheat?
There are several causes for your engine to overheat. Typically, a cooling system issue that prevents heat from leaving the engine chamber causes cars to overheat. This is frequently caused by a leak or obstruction in the engine cooling system or other parts. Other sources could come from a damaged or defective water pump, radiator fan, or coolant hose.

What are the signs your car engine is overheating?

Here are a few common signs that your car is overheating;
● Steam (often mistaken as smoke) emerging from the bonnet of your car.
● Strange or unusual smells coming from the front of the vehicle. If it is coolant that is leaking then it will have a sweet smell rather than oil which tends to have a burnt smell.
● The engine temperature gauge going into the red zone (or something equivalent)

What to do in a situation where your engine has overheated

Turn on the heater
It sounds unusual but having the heater on draws all the warmth that is being emitted by the engine into the passengers compartment as suggested by car garages in Reading ...
... Sometimes this may be enough to stop the overheating. You will know if this has worked by checking the temperature gauge to see if it has returned to a normal level.

Stop Driving

If your car still overheats after a few minutes of operation with the heater on, pull over and turn off the engine.This is the safest thing to do and it will save your car from any further damage.You should look for car service near me to make sure your car has no other issues.

Don't Move
The engine will need at least 15 minutes to cool. In the meantime, avoid attempting to open the hood because an overheated car's coolant could be above 230 degrees. You are at the risk of getting splashed with hot water or steam once the hood is opened. Search for MOT in Reading to book an MOT to make sure your car is safe to drive.

Top Up On Coolant
Put on gloves, open the hood, and find the radiator cap after at least 15 minutes have passed and the hood is cool to the touch.To relieve pressure that has built up due to the coolant boiling when heated, cover the cap with a towel and carefully push down and loosen it a quarter turn. Once the liquid has reached the "full" level, fully open the radiator cap and gradually add coolant (half water, half antifreeze).After that, put the cap back on and start the engine. You can proceed cautiously while keeping an eye on the temperature gauge or light if the red warning light goes out or the temperature gauge returns to normal.