Is your engine overheating? If yes, then do the following:
Step 1: Turn on Your Heater
Step 2: Pull Over as Soon as It’s Safe to Do so
Step 3: Open All of Your Windows
Step 4: Get Help
Step 5: Add Coolant Once Your Engine Has Cooled Down
Step 6: Get the Problem Checked Out
Follow these steps if your engine is overheating
Engine Overheating? Here’s what to do
Step 1: Turn on Your Heater:
This step may seem crazy, especially if it is the middle of summer, however, turning on your heater can help to draw heat away from your engine and reduce the stress on it. If your AC is running turn it off and crank the heat up to its maximum setting.
Step 2: Pull Over as Soon as It’s Safe To Do so:
As soon as you notice that there is a problem with your engine overheating and as soon as it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine. If you keep driving when your engine is overheating your motor is likely to face permanent damage.
Do not come to a complete stop and leave your engine running. This will produce additional heat that could make the situation worse.
If you are in a situation where you can't pull over and come to a complete stop, slow down, but keep your vehicle moving to allow a constant airflow around your engine.
Engine overheating: Wait until it is safe to pull over
Step 3: Open all of Your Windows:
Another way to quickly get heat out of your vehicle and away from your engine is to open all of your windows. This includes your sunroof or hatch if you have one.
Step 4: Get Help:
Once you have pulled over safely, call for assistance. If you are unable to get your car towed to an automotive repair shop, then wait until it has completely cooled down, and drive it as slow as possible to the nearest mechanic.
Keep a close eye on your car's temperature while you are driving. If the temperature goes up, then pull over again and let your vehicle completely cool before trying to restart it.
Call and get your car towed to a repair shop if possible
Step 5: Add Coolant Once Your Engine Has Cooled Down:
Before attempting to turn your engine back on, check your coolant levels, and if you have coolant (it's always a good idea to carry extra coolant in your vehicle) add it to your vehicle.
If you are not sure how to do this, then check your owner's manual.
*Wait until your vehicle has completely cooled down naturally before you try opening your hood and adding coolant. This is because while you are driving, the coolant in your car is increasing in temperature and pressure. Therefore, it needs to be completely cooled down before it will be safe for you to add coolant to your engine.
Learn how your car’s coolant system works
Step 6: Get the Problem Checked Out:
Even if your car seems to be running okay after you have added coolant, don't be tempted to ignore it. Something caused your car to overheat in the first place and chances are it will only get worse and become a more expensive fix if you leave it as is.
Why is Your Car Overheating?
Your vehicle will overheat when there is something wrong with your cooling system that prevents heat from escaping from the engine compartment. There are several things that could cause your cooling system to fail such as:
Too little or no coolant
A clogged, leaking, or ruptured coolant hose
Worn out or frayed belts
A broken water pump
A cooling system leak
A cracked or leaky radiator
A broken radiator fan
Low engine oil level
Broken thermostat
A clogged or blocked engine heat exchanger
If you have any of these issues, it's a good idea to get them addressed as soon as possible. If you aren’t sure how to check to see if your coolant or oil levels are too low, this video will help.
Check to make sure that your coolant and oil levels are okay
How Can You Tell if Your Engine Is Overheating?
There are a few tell-tale signs of an engine overheating. These include:
The temperature gauge for your engine (located on your dashboard) will suddenly hit "H" or will be in the "red zone" depending on the type of gauge you have.
You'll see steam, which actually looks like white smoke, escaping from underneath your hood.
You'll notice a strange smell coming from your engine. If you are leaking engine oil it will have a burnt odour but if you are leaking coolant, it will smell sweet.
How to Prevent Your Engine Overheating
There are a few regular maintenance tasks that you can do to help make sure that your engine doesn't overheat. These include:
Refill or top off your coolant levels as soon as they fall below the manufacturer's recommended level. If your coolant reservoir is empty, you should use a mix of 50/50 antifreeze/coolant and water.
Keep an eye on your car's thermostat while you are driving
Don't overuse your air conditioning system on really hot days.
Have regular coolant flushes and exchanges done.
Have your radiator checked and maintained as often as suggested by your car’s manufacturer
Engine overheating? Don’t ignore it; get it checked out
Engine Overheating? Take it to Hansma
If you are having problems with your engine overheating, contact Hansma Automotive. Here are the reasons why:
Over 33 Years of Service: We've been serving the Waterloo region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated: You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care: At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you'll be treated like family.
Honest Customer Service: Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing: Whether you are looking for the best tire change Kitchener has to offer or you require one of our other automotive services, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs: You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
““I am a single mom and I have find a lot of shops will try to take advantage of women because they think that we don’t have a clue.. I have found at Hansma Automotive they take the time to explain options and prices and only repair what needs to be done. A good mechanic is hard to find. I came here because they were highly recommended by a friend and haven’t been disappointed.””