HOW TO DIAGNOSE ENGINE OVERHEATING AND AVOID DAMAGE? -

Engine overheating is one of the biggest car problems since it can seriously damage the engine.

The reasons for this problem can be leaks, punctured coolant hoses, a bad thermostat, a bad coolant fan switch, a bad coolant fan, and else.

But the most important thing is to diagnose engine overheating on time. Especially if it happens while driving, and this article will show you how to do that.

Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel, where we have many car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, etc.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE ENGINE OVERHEATING?

1. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWS A HIGHER VALUE

The easiest way to diagnose an overheating car is to monitor the temperature gauge.

With engine overheating, the first thing you’ll notice is a higher value on it.

If you have the classic gauge, with the needle, you’ll first see the needle going a bit over the middle and staying there.

This is the best time to inspect the overheating problem to avoid any future damage.

As the problem gets worse, you’ll notice the gauge needle going up higher and higher.

For more information about engine overheating problems, click here.

2. LESS ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Another way to avoid engine overheating is to monitor the engine’s performance closely.

As the engine overheats more and more, the acceleration will be slower, and the car will start to bog down and seriously lose power.

As with the temperature gauge, this is the best time to react and immediately inspect the problem.

3. SMELL OF COOLANT INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN

At this time, you’ll also sense a sweet smell of coolant inside the passenger cabin.

Since the engine temperature is much higher than normal, the coolant starts to expand, and the first sign is the smell.

This is especially present if a coolant leak is causing the problem.

If you notice this, stop the car as soon as possible and inspect the engine bay with caution.

4. BOILING SOUND FROM THE COOLANT BOTTLE

Also, if you hear a boiling sound from the engine bay when you stop the car, it’s a sure sign of engine overheating.

If this happens, never open the coolant bottle as the pressurized coolant can severely burn you.

You must wait for the engine to cool down and then see what’s happening.

5. STEAM AND WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD

Finally, we come to the most dramatic part, and when you see this, there is no mistake regarding what the problem is.

You’ll see a thick white smoke coming from the engine bay. It may first appear as a barely visible mist while driving, later it becomes a smoke screen.

At this point, you must stop the car and turn off the engine. If you can do it safely, raise the hood so everything can cool down and you can make an inspection.

Do this only if it’s safe.

Once more, do not touch or open the coolant bottle until the engine cools down.

Click here to see what to do with an overheating car.

CONCLUSION

The best way to diagnose engine overheating on time is to always monitor the temperature gauge while driving.

You don’t have to be obsessive with it; a glance here and there is enough. This way, you’ll almost immediately notice the problem and have time to react.

Many engines have been ruined because of neglect, a slow response and the lack of paying attention to this problem.