Preventing Your Car From Overheating

While your car can overheat in any weather, the South Carolina heat poses a big threat, especially if your car is not maintained correctly.

Experiencing overheating while driving can be stressful, but knowing what to do if/when this happens can make all the difference. 

The Santee CDJR Service Center is here to guide you through what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

What Causes an Engine to Overheat?

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Engine overheating can be triggered by several factors, often related to issues within the vehicle’s cooling system.

• Low Coolant Levels: Insufficient coolant prevents the engine from effectively dissipating heat, leading to overheating.
• Leaks in the Cooling System: Leaks from hoses, the radiator, or the water pump can result in coolant loss, reducing the system’s ability to regulate engine temperature.
• Malfunctioning Thermostat: A faulty thermostat may restrict coolant flow, causing the engine to overheat by not allowing it to cool down properly.
• Blocked Coolant Passages: Debris or corrosion can block coolant flow through the engine, preventing adequate cooling.
• Broken or Faulty Radiator Fan: A malfunctioning fan can fail to draw enough air through the radiator to cool the engine, especially during slow driving or idling.

What to Do If Your Car Overheats 

First, it’s important to remember that driving with an overheated engine can be dangerous and lead to more severe problems, including engine failure. Let’s discuss what you should do if your vehicle overheats while driving.

Stay Calm and Pull Over 

When you notice your car’s temperature gauge is red, it’s important to stay calm. Safely maneuver your vehicle to the side of the road or into a parking lot. Once safely parked, turn on your hazards to alert drivers to the situation. 

Turn Off the Engine 

After pulling over, turn off your engine to prevent further overheating. Stand a safe distance away and wait at least 15 minutes before touching the engine. This should allow it to cool enough to inspect safely. 

Check Coolant Levels 

Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant levels. Be careful to avoid any burns from steam or hot fluid, and never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Wait until the radiator is cool to the touch. 

How to check your coolant levels:

• Locate the coolant reservoir. If you need assistance, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the location of the reservoir.
• Check the coolant level. Your reservoir has “low” and “full” marks. If the coolant is below the low mark, you’ll want to top it off.
• If necessary, add coolant. This helps regulate your vehicle’s engine temperature and will prevent overheating in the future. 

Assess for Leaks 

Look for any visible leaks after checking the coolant levels and topping it off. Here are some common places to check: 

• Look under the car for any puddles or drips. Coolant is typically green, orange, or pink. 
• Check the radiator hoses for any splits or cracks that could cause leaks. 
• Look for any signs of damage to the radiator or surrounding components. 

Seek Professional Help 

If the issue persists, you need clarification on any step, or if you find damage, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible.

At our certified Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Service Center, we offer expert service for overheating and even provide roadside assistance. Our professionals can perform a thorough inspection, diagnose the underlying cause, and effectively repair any damage. 

Keep Your Engine Cool with Regular Maintenance

When your car’s temperature gauge is in the red zone, you can take steps to keep yourself and your passengers safe and prevent further damage to your vehicle. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic!

Count on the Santee CDJR Service Center in Manning, SC for all your maintenance needs. Our skilled auto mechanics are here to keep your vehicle in top shape. If your car’s engine has been damaged, we’ll use genuine OEM parts to repair it. Schedule a service appointment online today or call us for booking assistance.

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Our sales professionals can help you find your dream car, SUV, or truck. Browse our new and used inventory, then contact us to schedule a test drive.

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