Thanks to technology, modern vehicles have cooling systems to keep the engine cool. However, overheating is still a possibility. When a car overheats, the engine will start making thumping or ticking sounds. These weird noises indicate that there’s a problem with your vehicle. An overheating engine isn’t something you want to ignore.
Do not panic when your car shuts off due to overheating. Knowing the important steps to take will get you out of the sticky situation. Continue reading on to learn the best ways to deal with an overheated car.
Why Do Engines Overheat?
Engines overheat because of different reasons. It might be due to extreme heat during the summer or an issue with the cooling system components. There might be something wrong with your radiator fan, thermostat, water pump, or coolant hose. To ensure that heat can escape the engine compartment, inspect the cooling system or other components.
Signs that an Overheating Vehicle
- Steam escaping from the front of the vehicle under the hood
- Weird loud noises coming from the engine
- The temperature gauge in the dashboard spiking to “H” or the red line
- The red coolant light starts flashing
- A strange burnt smell coming from the engine area
- Coolant leaking from the engine’s cooling system
- Reduce engine power and performance
What You Should Do When You Have Your Car Overheating
Turn off the AC
Immediately turn off your air conditioner when you notice signs that your car is overheating. The AC puts a strain on your engine, which raises the temperature even higher. By turning it off, you can reduce stress on the engine and keep it from overheating.
Crank up the Heat
After turning off the AC, you may now turn the dial to maximum heat. Cranking your heater on full blast will draw warmth away from the engine. Although it might cause you some discomfort, doing this will lessen the burden on the cooling system. Once the heat is transferred away from the engine, the temperature gauge will soon return to the normal range.
Pull Over to a Safe Location
Do not keep driving and pull over to the side of the road. Continuing to drive will push your engine too far. Instead, we recommend that you pull over and cut the engine off. You may park in a safe area and wait at least 15 minutes for the engine to cool. As towing experts, we guarantee that this is the most effective approach to dealing with an overheating vehicle.
Do Not Open the Hood Immediately
While waiting for the engine to cool down, don’t attempt to open the hood. This might put you at risk of burns due to the emitted steam. Let the steam waft off the engine before opening the hood with your bare hands. If you’re not comfortable checking the engine’s compartment, call roadside assistance and let a professional handle the problem.
Add Coolant or Antifreeze
It’s common for engines to overheat when the coolant is running low. Whenever you hit the road, make sure to carry an extra bottle of coolant in your car. Once the hood has cooled off, it’s now safe to check the coolant level. Slowly remove the radiator cap and look for the coolant reservoir. If the coolant doesn’t reach the radiator, then top it off. This can protect your engine from further damage.
Typically, coolant is a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Add the coolant until it reaches the “full” line. Next, replace the cap and close the hood. You may now restart the engine and check if the temperature gauge comes back to normal.
Call Roadside Assistance
Getting help when you need it most is essential. If you do get stuck on the road with an overheating vehicle, the best step to take is to contact your roadside assistance provider. They know what to do in case your vehicle stalls without any notice. In addition, the experts can bring your car to the nearest repair shop and have it fixed for you.
With Allentown Towing Company, help is only one call away. We offer 24/7 towing, battery jump start, fuel, delivery, lockout service, and more. Feel free to get in touch with us to learn more. We look forward to serving your towing and roadside assistance needs!