Overheating is one of the most common mishaps on the car.
This especially happens during the summer season, when temperatures go sky-high.
There are various reasons for engine overheating: lack of coolant ,leaks, broken hoses, faulty thermostats etc.
Whatever the case may be, here’s what you can do when the temperature gauge goes to max:
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DON’T PANIC!!! .
Overheating happens fast, in a matter of minutes. Stay calm, you don’t want to put in danger anybody in traffic.
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When the overheating happens, pull to the side of the road ASAP.
The longer you drive when the car overheats, the more damage you make.
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Turn the ignition off.
Get out of the car and open the hood. This will help to cool down the engine. You’ll probably see some steam and coolant around the engine bay.
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DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING UNTIL THE ENGINE COOLS DOWN!!!
Remember, everything is hot and boiling. The last thing you want are third degree burns.
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ESPECIALLY DO NOT OPEN THE COOLANT CONTAINER CAP!!
Lots of people, because of hurry and panic, open the cap. You’ll get a geyser type eruption of boiling coolant from the container which can cause serious injuries.
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Once the car is cooled down, make an inspection (as much as the situation lets you).
Search for a possible reason for overheating (leaks, lack of coolant, broken belt etc.).
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In case of a minor repair :
(loose coolant cap , loose hose clamp etc.) refill the coolant system and let the car idle in place for a couple of minutes. Make sure that the temperature gauge is acting normally. If everything is OK, continue your drive, watch the gauge more often.
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In case of a bigger repair :
(broken water pump, radiator leakage, broken water hose etc.) sit back and wait for the tow service. The mechanic will know best what to do. It isn’t either the place nor time to do major repairs.
Of course, if the situation demands (remote place, no signal on the phone etc.), try to improvise. Just make sure that you don’t get yourself or your passengers in danger and not to cause any car damage. Be sure to visit a mechanic ASAP, improvisations tend to have a very short life-span.
So, when overheating happens just stay as cool as you would like the engine to be (hope this isn’t too corny).
