A radiator controls the temperature of vehicles and prevents the problem related to overheating. If there is an increase in temperature, the temperature gauge gives you the overheat warning. This kind of problem can also happen if the coolant level is below average. If you travel more, keep in mind that you always check the level of coolant before hitting the road.
If, in any case, the situation is worse, then the coolant level, don’t drive the vehicle as it can result in serious problems that can also damage the engine and other fragile parts. It will be best in that situation that you call for a towing truck that will take you to the mechanic. You can also ask the mechanic about the prevention you can take in these kinds of situations.
Best Ways to Prevent Your Car From Overheating
Here are some of the things that can help you deal with the problem of overheating in an effective manner. We curated 10 important tips after consulting with experts and people from forum.
Let’s have a look the best ways –
1. Instant Action By Tuning The A/C Off
In this kind of situation, you should turn the air conditioner off and turn on the heater. This can help take out the excessive heat that the engine is producing. Put the windows down and turn the heater at its full speed. By this method, you are providing enough time to your radiator to cool down.
This is not the proper solution for every time the engine heats. Make sure you take it to the mechanic immediately to fix this problem by its root. No doubt that air conditioning is required in the summer and wintertime, but if your car engine heats up way more than it should be, you have to go for a proper checkup in such cases.
2. Pullover The Vehicle If The Temperature Gauge Is Rising
If the temperature is not getting down by following the first step, check the temperature gauge. If the gauge showing heat signals at its top, don’t drive the vehicle because it can be a problem for many other mechanical issues. Turn the hazard lights on if you are parking along the road.
Some of the vehicles have heat indication light inside, which give a pre-warning. During the summer season, the minimum temperature is already above the normal, and you must pay close attention to the temperature gauge.
3. Open The Hood For Proper Examination
For more safety, turn off the vehicle and open the hood. This will help the engine to cool faster if the problem is not major. The hood can be warm, so take care while you open it. Wait for at least thirty to sixty minutes for further checking. Don’t do anything before the engine gets cool.
Check the temperature gauge and ensure that your car temperature is normal if you see any leaks coming from the radiator that can be a sign that the coolant is leaking. In this case, call for a mechanic to help you.
4. Check The Coolant Level In The Radiator
There can be a good chance that the radiator is heating because of the low coolant level in the radiator. Look for the reservoir and remove the cap, twisting it counterclockwise. You can easily look for marks which indicate the level of coolant. Add coolant to the reservoir till it gets on the line. Distilled water can also be used in this kind of situation.
Make sure that you use lukewarm water to pour in the radiator. Cool water can damage the engine block, so you must stay selective here. This method is highly effective, and most of the experts suggest it. Many brands come up with better quality radiator coolant, which serves the purpose of effective cooling and better usability.
5. Drive If The Problem Is Fixed. If Not, Call For Help
It is safe for the car to drive if the temperature gauge is returned to its normal. Sometimes it is just because of the coolant but take it to the mechanic as soon as possible for proper care. Call a towing truck for extra help as it will take you to a mechanic shop. It can be an inconvenience for some people, but it will sure save you from future costly repairs
The mechanic will check all things like a cooling fan and make necessary changes if needed. It will be good if you choose a professional mechanic, it can cost you more, but it will be a reasonable choice. Driving your car at higher speeds when there is any heating problem is a bad idea.
According to experts, driving an overheated car can increase the risk of fire, and it is always important to avoid such situations.
6. Confirm That The Water Pump Is Working Correctly
Change the water pump as it can create more problems counting overheating. Try replacing the gasket that is connected to the water pump; if it doesn’t work, change the water pump. There can be a rumbling sound coming from the water pump showing that the pump is dry.
You can add the coolant at its top to see if this can solve the problem. Make sure that the coolant inside the radiator is clean because this can also be a cause in failing of water pump.
7. Regular Checkups Of Coolant And Other Small Things
You can do the small checkups like coolant checking and brakes on your own. These kinds of small precautions can help your car from big future risks. If the coolant is low, go to the reputed automobile shop for the compatible coolant for your car. Wait till the car gets cool before you check the radiator.
Clean the radiator every month, wipe the corner of the radiator if there is any insect. Make sure that the color of the coolant stays the same as day one. Maintaining a schedule helps keep your car radiator in perfect condition. Most of the people don’t pay serious attention, but it can be risky for your car’s radiator.
8. Change The Coolant In Every 1 To 2 Years
Even if there is no problem like overheating in your car, keeping the same coolant is not good for car health. Make sure you change the coolant every one to two years. This will help to reduce engine rust and chances of corrosion in the radiator.
It would be great if you ask the mechanic for help; the mechanic will check the pH level of coolant, which will reduce the risk. If the level of pH gets low, there can be a chance that the acid level will increase, which can lead to electrolysis in the cooling system.
9. Clogged Or Leaking Repair
check for the heater core, and if by any chance there is no leakage, give a little pressure on the heater core to check if it is working fine. If the core is not working even after this process, don’t panic, flushing it will easily solve your issue. On the other hand, if nothing of this works, then you might need to change the whole heater core.
You can also check the passenger side floor if the core is leaking, that is the problem that your vehicle is going through. A simple sealing process can be helpful if there is small damage. Some of the Signs of heater core leak core are that the vehicle will use more coolant than usual. Also, there will be a fruity smell inside the automobile.
10. Drive Accordingly to Avoid Overheating
This might be the most common thing everyone knows about, but it is worth mentioning for learners and new drivers. If you are going over 100 mph, then chances are your car may start heating a little. Keeping your car at the same speed for longer is not a good idea as if you are drive too fast.
In such cases, it would be a better option to adjust speed as per the need. You can give some time to your car for a cool down. In most cases, driving for more than one hour at 100 mph or more can cause heating. So, you should reduce speed for a while. This is the most effective and reliable method.
The Final Verdict
If the vehicle is overheating regularly, you can see the problems like gasket failure, which can be such an expensive repair. Always keep in mind that you follow these steps right after overheating so that the chances of any contingencies can be reduced. Also, make sure that you use the right coolant with the radiator for future wellness. You can ask the mechanic for the trustable brand for better performance.
Always park your car under a tree if the outer temperature is high, this will help the radiator to cool faster. These kinds of small actions can easily save you from bigger expenses. We hope that this guidepost will help you learn about some basic things that you should always take into consideration for a better experience.