Modern automobiles are built with powerful heat-producing motors. The radiator uses thermal heat exchange to transfer heat from the engine each time you drive, keeping the car from overheating. However, a car radiator needs to have enough liquid coolant flowing through its core in order for it to operate correctly. Your car engine will overheat if it doesn’t have enough radiator fluid (coolant) or if it is broken in some other way. Make sure you know what to do if your car radiator ever fails.
What To Do When Your Car Starts to Over Heat:
PULL OVER
Trying to continue driving an overheated car runs the risk of damaging the engine. Driving a car that is overheating is never a good idea because it can cause irreparable damage to the engine and other vital internal parts. You could also put yourself and others in or near the car in danger. For instance, engine components can melt, head gaskets can blow, and large amounts of smoke can build up.
Therefore, pull over to a safe area of the road as soon as you notice that your car is overheating. If a neighborhood or parking lot is available right now, it is advised to try to pull into it; if not, just find a flat area by the side of the road.
ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL
Be sure to turn on your hazards to let people know where you are once you have stopped and shut off the engine. Nighttime is a crucial time for this. If you ever find yourself stopped on the side of the road at night, keep all of your car lights on. Many people make the grave error of immediately opening their hoods and touching the radiator cap. The radiator and engine of the car will be extremely hot and can result in second- and third-degree burns. Regardless of how long you had been driving before the breakdown, always give your car at least fifteen minutes to cool down. By doing so, you can safeguard yourself against mishaps and harm.
CHECK FOR FLUID LEAKS
Once the car has completely cooled, look for any leaks around and beneath it. This could be a sign of many different problems, such as a cracked radiator or a broken radiator hose. Check the oil if there are no leakage indications. Focus on the color while removing the dipstick. If it appears sluggish and dark brown, the engine may be receiving liquid coolant seepage. If the engine block is cracked or the head gasket blows, this may happen. It’s possible that these damages are the real issue even if the oil appears to be in good condition.
CONTACT A MECHANIC
Once you have the car stopped, the wisest course of action in this situation is to call a mechanic shop. They are experts who are able to pinpoint the problem causing your car’s overheating. A certified auto repair technician can help you when antifreeze and coolant aren’t the solution. Make use of a phone book to find a towing company that will drive you and your car simultaneously to the auto repair facility.
