If you live in a hot climate, you know that cars can overheat quickly. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1 out of 3 car accidents are caused by heatstroke. Not only does this cause serious injury or even death, it also wastes valuable time and money.
What Causes an Engine to Overheat
An engine overheating is often the result of a mechanical or electrical failure. The overheating can also be the result of a system error or problem. Common causes for an engine to overheat include:
-A blocked cooling system or ruptured radiator hose
-Incorrect fluid levels in the engine
-A faulty thermostat
-Defective fan belt or pulley
-A cracked block or head
How to Prevent an Engine from Overheating
If your car’s engine is overheating, you can fix it yourself with a few simple steps. Follow these tips and your car engine will stay cool and running smoothly.
1. Check the air conditioning unit. A failing AC unit can cause the engine to overheat. If you’re not using the AC, turn it off.
2. Make sure the radiator is properly draining. If water isn’t being drained from the radiator, it will overheat and cause the engine to fail. This can be fixed by removing any excess water, using a hose or bucket, and driving around for a bit until the car has driven through all of the water. Pour any remaining water into a bucket or drain and dispose of properly.
3. Check the fuel system. A clogged fuel filter or a dirty fuel injector can lead to an engine that overworks and overheats. Clean all parts of the fuel system with gasoline and carbon dioxide rust inhibitors every 3,000 miles or as needed to keep them clean and free of debris buildup.
4. Check for loose or missing bolts or screws on fans, hoses, and other components. If one of these pieces becomes loose, it can cause airflow problems that
Tips for Handling an Engine Overheating Situation
If you are experiencing an engine overheating situation, there are a few tips you can follow to avoid or lessen the damage. First and foremost, do not drive your car if it is overheated. If you must drive, keep your speed low and avoid hills. If your car has air conditioning, turn it on as high as possible. Second, if you can, remove any excess heat from the car by turning off the engine, opening all doors and windows, and removing any objects that can create extra heat. Finally, call a tow truck or take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
What to Do if Your Car overheats
If your car overheats, the first thing you should do is turn off all the engine accessories (radio, A/C, etc). If the car has a manual transmission, shift into P or R and stop. Do not drive the car if it is in any gear other than neutral. If your car has an automatic transmission, put it in park and exit the vehicle. Open all of the windows to allow air to circulate inside the car. Turn on the fan if your car has one. Wait 30 minutes before trying to start the car. If you can’t start the car, try to cool it down as much as possible by refilling water or ice in the radiator and driving slowly. If none of these solutions work, take your car to a mechanic.
Conclusion
A car engine overheats when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders becomes too rich. The increased heat causes metal to expand and this can cause parts of the engine to break. Symptoms of an overheated engine include a decrease in fuel efficiency, reduced power, and (in extreme cases) loss of control of the vehicle.