Nothing spoils a family road trip faster than car trouble. Many drivers find themselves stuck on the side of the road, unsure of what to do next. Here at Hoover Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, your vehicle service shop in Summerville, we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn more about what causes an overheating vehicle – and what to do if your engine overheats.
First off, an overheating vehicle typically indicates a problem with the cooling system – such as a broken water pump, faulty radiator fan or clog in the coolant hose. When this occurs, heat is unable to escape the engine.
The engine’s coolant system is designed to pump a mix of water and antifreeze to your radiator in order to regulate the engine’s temperature. The coolant absorbs the heat generated by the engine and then transports it to the radiator to cool down. But when the coolant flow is disrupted and falls to a low level, it does not do its job properly – and an overheated engine is often the unfortunate result.
This can cause permanent damage to your engine, requiring expensive repairs. To avoid pricey auto repairs at a car dealership in Charleston, it’s a good idea to do the following if your engine overheats:
- Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heat.
This reduces the strain on your engine and allows some of the heat to escape until you can safely pull over.
- Pull over as soon as possible.
Once you have gotten off the road, do NOT open your vehicle’s hood immediately. Use a towel or gloves to protect from hot steam or fluids and step back once you have opened the hood.
- Check your coolant levels.
If coolant levels are low, top them off to protect your engine until you can get your car repaired. Water will work in a pinch – but be sure to wait for your engine to cool before removing the radiator cap and adding coolant.
- Restart your engine.
If you don’t need a tow and can safely drive to a vehicle service shop in Summerville, restart your engine once it is safe.
Signs Your Vehicle Could be Overheating
These signs may indicate that your engine is overheating:
- Hot hood
- Steam (which can resemble smoke) coming from under the hood
- An engine temperature gauge warning light on your dashboard
- Any unusual or ticking noise coming from your engine
- A strange smell (leaking coolant may smell sweet or leaking oil may smell burnt) coming from the engine area
- Leaking coolant underneath the vehicle
How to Prevent Your Car from Overheating
To prevent your car’s engine from overheating, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay up to date on vehicle maintenance
- Get regular engine coolant flushes
- Store coolant in your car just in case
Schedule a Service Appointment Today!
Stop by Hoover Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, your car dealership in Summerville, to service your vehicle! And while you are here, check out our huge selection of new and certified pre-owned vehicles – just up the road from North Charleston!
Whether you are looking for a new ride or expert auto repair, get to your Jeep dealership in Summerville today!