It’s been a hot summer and many of us have taken to the roads to enjoy the weather. But with temperatures reaching into the triple digits, it’s important to be mindful of the dangers that come with driving. One of those dangers is overheating your car.
What Causes Your Car to Overheat
If your car overheats, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening again. The most common cause of a car overheating is a blown head gasket, and the easiest way to prevent this is to keep your car’s oil levels topped off. Overheating also can be caused by clogged air filters or an obstructed serpentine belt. If you notice any of these problems, take your car in for service as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Your Car from Overheating
If you’re like most drivers, your car’s air conditioning is your best friend in the summertime. But what if your car overheats in the summer? Here’s how to prevent your car from overheating:
1. Check your car’s oil level and make sure it’s at the manufacturer’s recommended level. If it isn’t, add oil. Overheating can occur when the oil isn’t hot enough to lubricate the engine properly.
2. Keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge and don’t drive if it’s above 90 degrees F (32 degrees C). This can cause damage to your engine and may even cause a fire.
3. Use a water hose to cool down your engine if you have to stop for any reason. Running water over your engine will help dissipate the heat quickly.
What to Do If Your Car Overheats
If your car overheats, the first thing you should do is turn off the engine and remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle. Next, open all of the windows and doors to allow air to circulate. Wait fifteen minutes before restarting the engine. If the car still over heats, you may need to remove the radiator or fan belt to cool it down.
Conclusion
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t think twice about who is pumping gas next to you at the pump. But if your car’s engine overheats due to excessive heat production from a fellow oil pump, it can cause serious damage. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an engine overheating can result in loss of engine power, reduced fuel economy and even fire. If this happens to your car, be sure to get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.