Many drivers experience difficulties with overheated cars either in hot weather or during long driving. When your engine overheats it may damage critical components and strand you. This is good in that in case something bad occurs and you know how to respond to it, you will avoid it. With familiarity of the symptoms and prompt reaction, your car will be safer. The difference of being cool and acting swiftly is enormous. The following simple steps can be used in case your car overheats.

Act immediately

When you notice that steam is coming out under the hood or when the temperature gauge goes up, do not freak out. Reduce and stop as quickly as you can. Driving an engine that is hot may get worse. Once you have parked, leave the car to cool down by the fan after a minute. Turn off the engine to keep it cool. If you take immediate action, your car would have time to cool before damage.

Turn Off the Engine

After stopping and making sure the car is still, turn off the engine. This speeds up the cooling of the car. The hood is too hot to open right away. Don’t take the hood off, but check again in 10 to 15 minutes. You could get burned by hot liquid or steam if you’re not careful. If your car is too hot, let it cool down before you do anything else.

Coolant level check

Check the cooling tank once the engine cools. Your car’s coolant keeps the engine cool. Maybe your car became too heated because the level is low or empty. Be careful not to open the hot lid. Add coolant slowly if needed once everything cools. Without cooling, clean water can aid until you reach a gas station. Always consult your car’s manual for water tank locations.

Check for Leaks

A cooling system leak might overheat your car. After the engine cools, moist spot check under or around the car. A little leak or discoloration might indicate coolant loss. Hoses may be loose or fractured. Small issues might worsen if not addressed immediately. Early leak detection helps a technician fix it quickly and prevent further damage.

Seek Professional Help

Adding coolant may not fix your car. Something greater may be amiss outside your view. A professional Auto Repair in South Bend, IN can verify everything and make your car safe to drive. Fixing the engine now is cheaper and easier than fixing it later when it overheats again. A knowledgeable helper is always safer.

Conclusion

Although alarming, overheating your car is safe if you know how. Moving rapidly, letting the engine cool, checking the coolant level, looking for leaks, and obtaining aid from a professional can prevent little issues from worsening. A few simple procedures can maintain your engine. Watch how your car feels all day while it’s hot. Cool engines make driving safer and smoother. If you need professional help for your car’s engine choose Skiles automotive services.