When you think of an overheating engine, you might imagine a junker spewing smoke on the side of the road on a hot summer's day. Unfortunately, your car isn't immune from this issue regardless of how new it is or how cold it is outside. Despite advancements like multiple heat sensors and computerized electric fans, your cooling system might experience an issue that can affect your engine's longevity.
Here at Sioux Falls Ford, we're here to provide a comprehensive guide on overheating engines. In addition to explaining the causes and warning sides, we share what to do and not do when this problem arises. We also provide tips for keeping your engine from overheating in the first place.
Why Do Engines Overheat?
Your car's engine is a complex mechanical system that produces significant amounts of heat. It regulates its temperature via a cooling system, which circulates engine coolant through passages inside the engine block. Conduction allows the coolant to absorb heat, and the warmed coolant carries heat away from the engine. If the cooling system experiences a problem with one of its key parts, it's unable to properly cool your engine. Common examples of issues include a clogged coolant hose, a broken water pump, a faulty radiator fan, or a cooling system leak.
Some people wonder if driving in hot weather can increase the chances of an engine becoming overheated. While it's usually not the main problem, high outdoor temperatures might exacerbate the effects of a malfunctioning cooling system. Hot weather forces your engine to function outside of its optimal temperature range and can damage sensitive components.
Signs of an Overheating Engine
If you're reading this article, you might've already experienced the signs of an overheating engine firsthand. Here's a closer look at what to expect if your vehicle encounters this issue:
- Steam: One of the most obvious signs of an overheating engine is steam coming from under the vehicle's hood. The steam might look more like smoke, but regardless, it's indicative that something's wrong.
- Engine temperature gauge: Most cars have engine temperature gauges on the dashboard or driver console. Depending on what vehicle you have, this gauge might spike to "H" or move into the red area to indicate an overheating engine.
- Strange smells: An overheating engine might cause strange smells to come from the hood. A burnt odor typically indicates an oil leak while a sweet smell might result from leaking coolant.
What To Do When Your Engine Overheats
Here are the key steps to follow when notice signs of an overheating engine:
1. Turn on the Heater
It might sound counterintuitive, but the first step is to turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater. Putting the heater on as high as it'll go can help pull heat away from the engine to cool it down. The couple minutes of discomfort for you and your passengers will be well worth minimizing engine damage.
2. Pull Over
Find a safe spot to pull over, whether it's a highway shoulder or a parking lot. Shut off your vehicle and allow the engine to cool for at least 15 minutes before going under the hood. You can check the temperature gauge to ensure the engine is back within its normal temperature range. As you wait for your engine to cool, consider calling roadside assistance. You might need professional assistance or a tow to fix the issue.
3. Add Coolant
If you plan on driving yourself to a repair shop instead of relying on a tow truck, you'll need materials like heavy-duty gloves and a gallon of coolant. After you've let the engine cool for 15 minutes, ensure it's cool to the touch before opening it. With the gloves on, partially unscrew the radiator cap to release built-up pressure. Then, remove the radiator cap completely and slowly add coolant until the liquid reaches the "full" line. You can also add coolant to the small reservoir on the side of the radiator.
4. Restart the Engine
Replace the radiator cap, close the hood, and turn on the engine. If the temperature gauge goes back to normal, you can drive the car to the closest repair shop. Pay attention to the temperature gauge as you drive, as you should pull over again if it spikes. When you get to the repair shop, inform the mechanic of any warning signs you noticed to help them give an accurate diagnosis.
What Not To Do When Your Engine Overheats
While you should refer to the steps we've provided above, knowing what not to do when your engine overheats is just as important. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Panicking: Steam and abnormal temperature gauges can be concerning, but try not to panic. You can keep everyone safe by not swerving or slamming on your brakes as you pull over.
- Ignoring the problem: Even if you're close to your destination, don't ignore the problem. Pull over as soon as it's safe to do so to minimize engine damage.
- Opening the hood immediately: If you don't let your engine cool before opening the hood, you put yourself at risk of severe burns. If your vehicle overheats, you should wait at least 30 minutes before opening the hood to let the hot engine cool down.
- Avoiding the underlying issue: While coolant helps you get to a repair shop, it won't solve the underlying problem of an overheated engine. Ensure you get a reliable mechanic to look for issues like a leak or broken water pump.
How To Prevent Your Engine From Overheating
No one wants to deal with an overheated engine, as it can ruin your plans and cause significant damage to your vehicle. Fortunately, you have the power to reduce the chances of this problem occurring. Ensure your car receives regular coolant flushes and exchanges, and adhere to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended radiator maintenance. You might also want to invest in routine inspections to identify minor issues before they turn into the need for expensive repairs.
We hope this guide helps you deal with an overheated engine in a safe, cost-effective manner. If you need repairs or want to schedule service to prevent this problem from happening in the first place, contact Sioux Falls Ford today. Our service department is ready to help you be a responsible owner and ensure your engine lasts for years to come.
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