How To Handle Overheating of Your Car

The weather is warm outside and you want to take a nice long drive or maybe even a road trip with friends – your first trip after buying a car a few days ago. But as the day unfolds it is not just the weather that gets warmer – your car engines are also not getting hotter and before you know it you have an overheated engine!  Well, if only you had followed the signs, you could have saved yourself and the car a lot of stress.

You have to agree that at times there have been clear warnings – steam escaping from under the hood and you know what’s to follow. Keeping an eye on the engine temperature needle could also help you dial down the situation.

The engine’s core temperature during normal driving time can range between 200-250°F, and it can spike to twice that level or higher one it is overheated.

1.  Always check the oil levels and coolant before starting your car engine.
2. If it starts overheating and the air conditioning is running – shut it off and turn on the engine- this draws the excess heat from the engine and cools it down.
3. Check all fluid levels, power steering, engine oil, and brake and windshield power.
4. Turn off the engine, pop the hood and wait at least for half an hour- if not any longer.
5. Overheating also may be a sign of mechanical failure- take it to the nearest service station.
6. Make sure all the warning systems work properly – car signals and gauges so that they give correct signals and readings.
7. When it comes to car maintenance- get maintenance manual when you buy a car.
8. Using a very old car is not recommended. This is why buying a new car is always better than reused cars. Car reviews come in handy at this time.  

Good Luck and drive safe.