Overheating is a common problem with most vehicles, even newer ones. An engine can overheat for many different reasons. The most common include a faulty/leaking radiator or low levels of coolant fluid in the engine. A very hot summer day can also exert undue pressure on the engine's cooling system and cause the vehicle to overheat.
If you start to notice the temperature gauge on the dashboard getting hotter, it is important to carry out the following steps in order to prevent excessive damage to your engine or to your passengers.
- Be equipped with a bottle of coolant fluid
Coolant fluid can be an engine lifesaver when it begins to overheat. It is a good idea to keep a bottle of coolant fluid in your vehicle, especially when going on long trips.
One of the most common reasons why a vehicle overheats is because the coolant fluid in the engine is low. Therefore, topping off your engine with coolant can provide a quick fix to the current problem while on the road.
- Turn off your vehicle AC unit and turn up the heat
If you notice your temperature gauge going up while driving, turn off your vehicle's AC and open the windows. Your AC unit uses coolant fluid to generate cool air for the car, and this can exert more pressure on the engine to remain cool.
Furthermore, you should turn up the heat of the vehicle and open the windows. This will help to remove heat from the engine compartment and transfer it to the rest of the vehicle.
- What to do when stuck in traffic
If you find yourself in the middle of traffic and the engine starts to overheat, don't panic. Shift the gear to the neutral position and begin to rev the engine for short bursts of time. This activity will increase the fan speed and cause more coolant to be drawn into the radiator. This should help reduce the engine temperature a bit before you weave out of traffic.
- Stop the vehicle and open the bonnet
In some cases, the engine will excessively overheat to the point where you can see fumes arising from underneath the bonnet. If you notice this, stop the car on the side of the road and open the bonnet. Stay a safe distance from the vehicle until the fumes subside.
If you have a bottle of coolant, you can apply it to the overflow container for it to gradually make its way into the radiator. Never attempt to handle the radiator when it is still hot. If you have such extensive overheating, contact an underbody repair service as soon as possible.
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