Engine Overheating: What to do

Vehicle engine overheating is a common problem, especially on older vehicles during the hottest times of the year, and this situation requires special attention.

Is there any way to prevent the engine from overheating? What should you do if your vehicle's engine gets hot? We'll walk you through every detail in this article.

First, it should be noted that overheating and undercooling are opposite problems that an engine can face.

The engine may reach high temperatures due to problems or failures with the cooling system or other vehicle components. However, the most common reasons are:

To prevent serious damage and any possible road accident, it's important to know the signs that your engine is overheating, which include:

The engine light on the dashboard comes on;

The thermometer shows a rise in temperature;

Smoke billowed from the hood;

Burnt coolant smell;

Reduced vehicle performance, such as loss of engine power;

Resonance or abnormal noise.

To prevent your engine from overheating, follow these basic preventive maintenance tips:

Use distilled water;

Use coolant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer;

Change your car's coolant every 3 years (find a dedicated garage if you don't have the necessary tools);

Check radiators, pipes, and water pumps for leaks;

Clean the radiator and remove antifreeze from the circuit every two years at your trusty garage;

Check if the fan is working properly.

As mentioned before, you should seek the help of a professional mechanic to correct the situation as quickly as possible. However, if this happens while you are driving, you should:

Park the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible;

Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for it to cool;

Check the coolant level (if safe) and add water or coolant if necessary;

Before starting your car again, call roadside assistance to diagnose and correct the problem.

Remember never to open the hood immediately as steam or hot liquids may cause burns. Wait for the hood to cool before checking the engine.

If the water level in the radiator drops too quickly, the radiator may have a leak.