Summertime is the time of year when many Americans take their cars out for a spin. But if you’re not using your car’s oil, it may overheat and fail. The oil circulates through your engine to keep it running smoothly, and without it your car may start to overheat and break down. Here are four ways to reduce your risk of a summertime car meltdown.
What is an Overheating Car?
An overheating car is one that is getting too hot to drive. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause is a broken cooling system. If your car’s cooling system isn’t working properly, the engine will overheat. This will cause the car to lose power, emit an unpleasant smell, and might even start to smoke. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to take your car in for service right away.
How to Fix an Overheating Car
If you’re like most drivers, you probably assume your car will overheat if it doesn’t have any oil. But that’s not always the case. In fact, many cars will overheat without any oil at all! Here’s how to fix an overheating car without using oil.
First, check the radiator fluid level. If the car has a water cooled engine, the level should be between the “max” and “min” markings on the reservoir. If your car has an air cooled engine, or if the reservoir is missing, open the hood and look for a dipstick in the coolant container. Replace as necessary.
If your car has a thermostat, it might be stuck open because of excess heat. To fix this, turn off all power to the thermostat by unplugging it from the wall or removing the key from the ignition. Use a thin piece of wood or a hammer to tap on one end of the thermostat housing until it releases and pops out. Gently pull it out of its hole and reset it by inserting it into its original hole and turning it until it clicks into place.
Preventing an Overheating Car
If your car overheats, you may be able to prevent the situation from becoming worse by following a few simple tips. Checking your radiator fluid level is one of the most important things you can do to prevent an overheat. Overheating can cause your engine to fail and your car will not be able to drive. If you are driving in hot weather, make sure to keep an eye on your temperature gauge and avoid driving if it is getting too hot. If you notice that your car is overheating, try to pull over as soon as possible. Turn off your car and wait for it to cool down before restarting it. If you can’t restart your car, get out of the vehicle and call a tow truck.