How to Keep Your Engine from Overheating
Picture this: you are cruising down the highway on a hot summer afternoon for your long-awaited road trip. Your bags are in the trunk, and your road trip buddies serve snacks while you are singing your favorite songs. Suddenly, you see steam leaking from your hood and your car’s temperature gauge rising. What a nightmare, right? Fortunately, avoiding this problem is easier than most people think. Here are some tips on how to keep your engine from overheating.
Key Takeaways
• Various factors contribute to engine overheating, such as low engine oil, cooling system failure, and engine problems.
• Always monitor the engine coolant level as it is critical in regulating your engine’s temperature and preventing overheating.
• Regular maintenance can also prevent overheating, so make sure you keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to avoid any engine issues.
What Causes Engine Overheat
When running, the car’s engine generates heat, and it depends heavily on its cooling system to keep the temperature at a certain level. Many factors can contribute to or cause an overheating engine, but the most common cause is not having enough coolant, which is also the most common remedy. Thus, when something goes wrong—a coolant leak, faulty radiator fan, or broken thermostat—the engine can quickly overheat.
Moreover, driving your vehicle in extremely hot weather, carrying a heavy load, or being stuck in stop-and-go traffic increases the risk of engine overheating. This is why preventive maintenance measures are crucial to avoid these inconvenient situations.
Some other causes of engine overheat include:
• Low engine oil—Engine oil lubricates the internal components of the engine, minimizing friction and, therefore, reducing heat.
• Cooling system failure—If you have enough coolant but the engine still overheats, there could be a problem with the radiator or the cooling system as a whole. This can be a faulty radiator fan, damaged expansion tank, etc.
• Engine problems—The engine is made up of several moving parts that produce heat. Faults in these components can contribute to, if not cause, overheating. Issues with the belts, hoses, etc., that compromise the air and coolant flow to and from the engine can cause the engine to overheat.
How to Keep Your Engine from Overheating
So, how do you keep your engine from overheating?
Check The Coolant Level
Engine coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays an extremely important role in regulating the engine’s temperature. It works by absorbing excess heat and releasing it to the radiator as it circulates throughout the engine. Over time, though, your coolant level may drop due to evaporation (from too much heat) or leaks. If your coolant level is low, then you will definitely experience overheating problems. Thus, make sure to check your coolant level regularly, especially if you plan on going for long drives.
It’s a pretty easy process: pop-up your hood and locate the coolant reservoir. Check the level. If it’s too low, then add the appropriate coolant mixture. Add as needed.
Get The Right Coolant
Not all coolants are made equal; plus, different engines require different types of cool. Thus, it is crucial that you get the recommended coolant for your vehicle. Check your owner’s or search online for the right type of coolant for your engine.
Keep Up with Your Maintenance
As said earlier, engine oil minimizes friction and, therefore, heat. If your engine is running on old, murky, gooey, and dirty oil, expect it to overheat. This can also damage the internal components. This is why regular oil change intervals are really important. Follow the recommended frequency in the driver’s manual and use the appropriate oil for your vehicle. You can usually never go wrong with fully synthetic oils.
Check the Radiators and Hoses
The radiators and the connected hoses are crucial components of the cooling system. The former cools the coolant, while the latter transports it between the engine and the radiator. Over time, these components wear out or get clogged, leading to inefficient cooling, which increases the risk of overheating.
Inspect your radiator and its hoses at least once a month. Look for signs of wear and tear, cracks, or leaks. If you see anything unusual but are unsure what to do with it, it is best to leave it to your trusted mechanic. Replacing a clogged or cracked hose or cleaning your dirty radiator is far cheaper than dealing with engine damage.
Clean The Radiators
Various debris, dirt, and bugs can accumulate on the surface of the radiator, reducing its efficiency in dissipating heat and increasing the risk of engine overheating during heavy use or hot weather. Thus, make sure to keep your radiator clean.
To clean the radiator, wait until the engine is completely cool. Then, use a soft brush or water hose (gentle spray setting) to remove dirt and various debris from the radiator’s fins. The fins are extremely delicate, so be very careful not to bend any of them while cleaning.
Another important cooling component is the radiator fan. It helps cool the engine by pulling air through the radiator when the car isn’t running fast enough. If the fan is not spinning efficiently, the engine may overheat, which is a common problem in slow-moving traffic or while idling. Thus, check the hood and see if the fan is working properly. If it is not, then there could be a problem with the fan motor, wiring, or relay.
Check the Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the flow of the coolant. It’s closed when the engine is cold and opens once the engine reaches its operating temperature, allowing the coolant to flow through. It is a relatively inexpensive component, but plays a vital part in the engine’s function. If the thermostat is stuck in closed position, then the coolant won’t circulate, which will cause the engine to overheat. Faulty or damaged thermostat must be replaced.
Turn the AC Off and the Heater On
If you notice the temperature gauge starting to rise while driving, quickly turn the air conditioning off, then turn on the heating. This will divert the heat from the hood to your cabin. This will be uncomfortable, but will definitely buy you some time or even prevent overheating by reducing strain from the engine. Of course, you should open the windows.
Final Thoughts: How to Keep Your Engine from Overheating
Following the tips above will not only help you prevent overheating but also avoid major breakdowns and protect your vehicle’s precious engine from serious damage. By taking care of your cooling system and keeping up to date with your preventive maintenance, you can take your vehicle on any road trip without the fear of an overheating engine.
FAQs
How long does it take for a car to cool down?
Within 15 minutes, the engine will begin to cool down. But it’s best to wait 45 minutes to an hour to give the engine enough time to return to its normal range.
What stops an engine from overheating?
The best way to prevent your vehicle from overheating is to constantly monitor the coolant levels and checking the radiator. Making this a habit can help avoid problems on the road.
How do I cool down my engine?
The first thing you must do is to pull over and stop the car. Wait at least 15 minutes to cool down the engine. Monitor the temperature gauge and wait for it to return to the normal range, signifying that the engine is cooling.
Should I turn off the AC if my car is overheating?
Yes, turning off the AC can help with overheating car engine. Switching on the AC puts added load on the engine, causing it to speed up the overheating process.
Can I put water in my coolant tank?
Placing water instead of coolant into the coolant tank when your engine overheats is only advisable for emergency situations. It’s better to use water instead of nothing when your engine overheats. Also, make sure to use the best quality water, such as distilled water.
