Whether you’re heading to that important meeting or you and your mates are heading out on holiday, an overheating car is a sure way to ruin your day. Keep this guide handy so you know exactly what to do when your car overheats to help prevent costly damage to your engine.
And remember, if you’re ever in need of a trustworthy mobile mechanic or you’re frantically Googling “car repair near me”, the team at Beachwheels Automotive is here and ready to help! Get in touch with us to learn more about our services or find the assistance you need today.
Why Is My Car Overheating?
A car engine is a complicated system, which means there are many things that could be causing your car to overheat. The most common causes of engine overheating problems are:
- Lack of coolant in the system
- Cooling system leaks
- Clogged or broken hoses
- Faulty radiator fans or other parts
- Damaged or broken water pumps
- Driving in extremely hot conditions
Of course, there may be other causes, such as a faulty thermostat or other radiator problems. The best way to fix an overheating car (and prevent your car from overheating in the first place!) is to invest in regular professional car service and inspection.
Tell-Tale Signs that Your Engine Is Overheating
Luckily, you don’t have to be a mechanic to know when your car begins to overheat. Here are just a few signs that will let you know it’s time to pull over and call for help.
Your car may be overheating if you notice:
- White steam emerging from the bonnet
- A strange smell coming from the engine area
- The engine temperature gauge needle moving to the red or “H” section
- The air conditioner suddenly stops working
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to immediately follow the steps below. Doing so could help prevent your engine from becoming irreversibly damaged or failing entirely.
What to Do if Your Car Is Overheating
Is your car overheating? The first and most important thing to remember is this: don’t panic! Keep your head and follow the steps below to help ensure the safety of you, your passengers, your car and everyone on the road.
Step 1: Turn off the A/C and turn on the heat. This will help remove strain from the engine so you can safely pull your vehicle off the road.
Step 2: Find a nearby space where you can safely pull your vehicle over. Once there, turn off the engine.
Step 3: Let the engine cool for at least 15 minutes before you attempt to open the bonnet.
Step 4: After your engine has cooled down, open the bonnet and add more coolant to the reservoir. No coolant? Some water may work temporarily to help get you to a car service repair shop. Be very careful when opening the radiator; never do s
o while the engine is hot, or you risk being burned!
Step 5: Call for help. It’s never a good idea to drive an overheating car, so be sure to reach out for help. Take the time to research the best mechanic near me, then give them (or your local tow company) a call to get your
car taken care of. If you do try to drive to a nearby car repair service, be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature gauge and repeat these steps if your engine starts getting too hot again.
Prevent Your Engine from Overheating with Pr
Wondering how to fix an overheating car for good? Oftentimes the fastest and best way to do so is by investing in a professional mobile mechanic such as Beachwheels Automotive. We specialise in a variety of automotive services, including heavy vehicle repairs, safety checks and much more. Let us help you take good care of your vehicle so you don’t have to worry so much about preventable issues such as an overheating car.ofessional Car Service and Repair
Call us today on 9905 1727 or visit us online to learn more about how we can help you.