An Overheated Car: Every Driver’s Nightmare

A wise man once said, “Some men take good care of a car; others treat it like one of the family.” We strongly believe and relate to this quote. This is because a car is a big investment and vows to be there for the owner during all the bumpy roads and twists and turns of life. So, this quote equates the health of your car to the health of your family. 

One of the several stressful situations a driver can come across includes overheating. Indeed, an overheated car is every driver’s nightmare. A burning smell accompanied by the sudden halt of the car in the middle of the road can be nerve-racking. 

So, lets see the causes of overheating/breaking down, symptoms and preventive measures…

Causes of Overheating:

So, if you find yourself with a car puffing out smoke like a chain-smoker, there may be several issues with the car parts.

• Low Coolant Level:

Usually, when you forget to keep a check on the coolant level of your car, you can end up with a dehydrated reservoir. This can cause the car to heat up since a Coolant – which is responsible for lowering the temperature of the car and lubricating the parts – is not present in an optimum level.

• Leakage in the coolant reservoir:

You might face situations where you know you just filled up the coolant reservoir, yet the car starts to overheat the very next day. That could be caused by a leakage in the reservoir. Hence, it is important to get your car parts inspected once a month at least.

• Low engine oil:

When your engine faces a drought in terms of oil, the parts moving together can end up causing friction and corrosion. This can, in turn, lead to the car overheating. So, keeping a check on the Engine Oil can work wonders to avoid overheating.

• Old Battery:

Another major cause of overheating could be a battery which is older than 3 years. An old, worn-out car battery can consume more energy to operate the car and its engine, which can cause friction and ultimately overheating. 

Signs Indicating a Overheated Car:

To avoid this nightmare, you can always nip the problem in the bud by identifying a few signs early and treating them instantly.

You will notice the following signs when your car is on the verge of getting overheated:

• Noticeable performance breakdown.
• Visible smoke from the engine.
• A constant “ticking” noise.
• High reading on temperature gauge.
• A burning smell being emitted.
• A “thumping” or “hissing” sound.

What To Do When Your Car Overheats? 

Follow the steps below if you find yourself in a situation as described above:

1. Stop your car on the side of the road preferably under a shaded area.
2. Turn off your car.
3. Open all your windows and doors to allow ventilation.
4. Call for assistance immediately.

If this is not possible, then…

1. Wait for 15-20 minutes until you feel that the engine’s temperature has reduced.
2. Open the hood of the car and add a little water to the reservoir before filling it up with the coolant gradually. 

Note: Please take great care of your hands and face by keeping them as far away from the engine as possible.

Preventive Measures Against Overheating.

So, if you have finally gotten out of this situation and are looking for ways to avoid it at all costs, follow the tips mentioned below:

1. Always park your car under a shaded area, especially during summers, to avoid the heat of the sun.
2. Regularly check on the engine/coolant oil levels.
3. Get your car inspected by professionals every month or before going on a long road trip.
4. Get the radiator and water pump checked for any leaks. If you come across any leaks, consult your car service station for immediate resolution.

Conclusion:

So, now we know possible causes of overheating breakdown and how to handle this troublesome situation. You can get all types of engine oil, coolants & much more at link