Nobody wants their car to overheat. Not only can it be dangerous, but it can also be damaging to the vehicle itself. You must be able to identify not only how to know that your car is overheating but also what to do when it happens. As a car owner, you should always be prepared, so here are a few tips to keep your car from overheating. Your safety while driving is always the top priority!
Video Summary:
Always Keep a Close Eye on the Temperature Gauge
All vehicles have a temperature gauge that is located on their dashboard. This gauge allows for the driver of the vehicle to see the engine’s temperature. One should always keep an eye on this gauge and make sure that the needle is near or directly in the center of the gauge. If the gauge indicates that the engine is too hot, that is a good sign that your car is overheating. If this occurs, safely pull over your vehicle and turn it off.
Check and Add Coolant as Needed
Coolant levels cannot be ignored. If you don’t actively keep an eye on the level of coolant you have in your vehicle, that might just be the reason that your car overheats—especially in the hot months. You can check the levels by looking at the coolant reservoir located under the vehicle’s hood. If you identify that the coolant is too low, all you have to do is add the substance into the area until it reaches the appropriate line.
An important aspect to note is that you should never add coolant to an overheated or hot engine. Instead, you should wait for the engine to completely cool before you fill it to the desired level.
Make Sure Your Vehicle’s Intercooler Is Properly Working
Not all cars have intercoolers; however, any vehicle that has a turbocharger does. For turbochargers to work efficiently and safely, the intercooler must keep the turbocharger and the engine cool. Understanding the importance of the intercooler and making sure that it really is working correctly will keep you safe from dealing with an overheated car.
Safety Tips for If Your Car Does Overheat
We don’t just want you to try to prevent your car from overheating—we also want you to be aware of how to safely handle your vehicle if it does occur. Knowing to pull over on the side of the road safely and turn off your engine as soon as you identify that your car is overheating is crucial. After this, open the hood of your car to allow the heat to clear out. If you are unsure of what to do after these two steps, it is for your safety to reach out to a professional.
These tips to keep your car from overheating, as well as the few bits of information on what to do if it occurs, will really help you be a safe and responsible car owner. If you are responsible and observant, you can handle issues and problems before they even occur. Stay safe and stay responsible—especially when driving!
