(423) 243-3502

    5482 Little Debbie Parkway

    Ooltewah, TN 37363

    (423) 479-3365

    4651 North Lee Hwy

    Cleveland, TN 37312

    What to do When Your Car Overheats
    What to do When Your Car Overheats

    It’s finally summer and this year it looks like it’s going to be a hot one. If you’re like me, I bet you have already planned your vacation or at least scheduled a weekend getaway. At this point, I have packed my bags and planned a few fun activities for the family. I’m a little worried about one thing… my rental car. You never know if routine maintenance has been performed. I’m driving over 1,000 miles and can only hope the engine doesn’t overheat.


    Engine Overheating Tips

     

    I can’t control what kind of maintenance my rental car will have but we can all control what happens with our own vehicles. There are several things you can do to ensure your vehicle won’t overheat on a long road trip and since I’m nervous about my rental car, I want to know what to do if the engine does overheat.

     

    Prevent Overheating Your Engine

     

    Ensuring your vehicle is up to date on maintenance is the first step in avoiding engine trouble. There are several systems in your vehicle designed to regulate temperatures.

     

    Engine Oil provides lubrication for the moving parts in your engine. This will reduce friction and reduce heat. Having regular and up to date oil changes will help ensure that your engine stays cool.

     

    Your vehicles cooling system consists of various parts including fans, belts, and coolant fluids. Eventually, your automobile's cooling system will develop scale deposits which restrict coolant circulation and will require your cooling system to be flushed. Having a correctly educated specialist carry out normal examinations will guarantee your car remains effectively cooled and working for many years to come.

     

    What to do When Your Engine Overheats

     

    Pullover. Turn on your hazard lights, and turn off the engine.

    Do not open the hood of the car.

    Allow the vehicle to cool for 30 min or until the temperature gauge shows a normal temperature out of the red).

    Check the coolant levels. This is usually in a transparent reservoir near the radiator. If the levels are low, refill the reservoir. It’s always a good plan to carry an extra bottle of coolant during a long hot trip.

    Check hoses for leaks. You can tell the system is still working by squeezing the hose with your hand. Be careful, it's hot! You will feel the pressure from the liquid in the hose. If not, you have a problem.

    If you remove the radiator cap, do so with caution. Use a rag to protect your hand and tilt the lid away from you. Never remove the radiator cap when the vehicle is hot and never pour water into a hot radiator. It can crack your engine block.

     

    If your worried about your vehicle this summer or just need some routine maintenance, visit your local auto shop today. A skilled technician can help you with an oil change, fluid flush or auto repair you need.

    Recent Posts

    A person is changing a tire on a car.
    October 22, 2024
    Rotate your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear, extend lifespan, and improve performance. Learn how tire rotation impacts safety and efficiency.
    A person is working on the underside of a car.
    July 29, 2024
    Learn about suspension control arms and their crucial role in your vehicle's suspension system. Get expert insights on how they work and maintenance tips from Premier Tire.
    A bunch of summer tires are lined up in front of a car
    June 24, 2024
    In this article, we'll guide you through the top 5 summer tires that can enhance your car's performance. We'll explore brands like BFGoodrich and Continental and discuss what makes their summer tires stand out.
    A man is pumping gas into a car at a gas station.
    May 29, 2024
    Considering regular gas for your premium gas car? The Premier Tire Blog breaks down the potential impacts, offering expert advice to help you decide what's best for your vehicle's performance and health.
    May 1, 2024
    If your car's temperature gauge enters the red zone while driving, it means your car is overheating. This situation can be stressful for any driver, potentially causing inconvenience or even danger. Understanding why it happens can help you prevent harm. Low coolant levels are often the main culprit since coolant helps regulate engine temperature. When there's not enough coolant, heat dissipation becomes inefficient, leading to overheating. Leaks in the cooling system can also cause difficulty in maintaining the correct temperature. If your car is leaking coolant, it might come from the radiator or hoses. Other Common Failure Points in Your Vehicle's Cooling System Another common cause is a faulty thermostat, which regulates coolant flow. If it malfunctions, either staying closed or open when it shouldn't, overheating can occur. Cooling fan issues can also play a role, especially if the fan fails to activate or doesn't work correctly. This can reduce airflow over the radiator, particularly when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, leading to overheating. Other issues, such as a blocked radiator, engine oil problems, a misfiring engine, or a faulty water pump, can cause overheating. Regular maintenance and quick problem-solving can help your car run smoothly and prevent overheating during driving. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Water Pump or Thermostat? If your car is overheating and requires a new water pump and thermostat, you may wonder about the cost. Knowing this in advance allows you to budget accordingly and make an informed decision. Typically, replacing both components simultaneously ranges from $500 to $1000, covering parts and labor. There's often no additional labor cost when replacing both components together, making it a cost-effective choice. When replacing both the water pump and thermostat, choose high-quality parts that are compatible with your car for optimal results. Despite a potentially higher initial investment, selecting reliable components and professional installation can prevent future overheating concerns. This approach can save money and improve cooling system performance by replacing both components together, streamlining the labor process. Risks of Driving Your Car at High Operating Temperatures Driving your car when it's overheating can be dangerous for you and your vehicle. It's crucial to stay safe. High temperatures can cause engine parts to wear out faster, leading to costly damage or engine failure. When a car overheats, it can cause important fluids like oil to degrade faster, potentially damaging the engine. Driving at high temperatures can also reduce the efficiency of your car's cooling system, putting more strain on the engine. Furthermore, overheating can cause warped cylinder heads or blown gaskets, leading to leaks and more engine damage. It can also result in stress cracks in the engine block, leading to further expensive repairs. In extreme cases, driving a severely overheating car can even pose a fire hazard. It's vital to fix overheating problems promptly and avoid driving your car when it's too hot. Doing so can help you avoid costly repairs and keep you safe while driving. Importance of Regular Vehicle Inspections It's essential to have your car's cooling system checked regularly, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year. Regular checks help prevent overheating and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Technicians inspect parts like the radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat, and coolant levels for damage, leaks, or rust. Fixing small problems early can save money and extend the life of your engine and cooling system. Regular maintenance improves how your car runs and saves fuel. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing your car is ready for daily driving. How to Prevent Car Overheating An overheating car is worrisome, but knowing the causes can help you address the problem quickly and effectively. Regular maintenance, like checking coolant levels and inspecting for leaks, can help prevent overheating issues. Ensure components like the thermostat and water pump are functioning correctly. If your car keeps overheating, it's crucial to see a mechanic right away. They can diagnose the issue and fix it before it leads to bigger problems or becomes dangerous while driving. Stay vigilant and take care of your car to avoid overheating issues and ensure a smooth ride on the road. For those in the Ooltewah and Cleveland, TN, area, consider visiting Premier Tire & Auto Service for comprehensive vehicle inspections and expert repairs. Our experienced technicians can help you resolve overheating problems or any other vehicle issues, ensuring your car stays in peak condition. Stop by Premier Tire & Auto Service today and keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently! By staying vigilant and proactive about maintenance, you can avoid the frustrations of overheating and enjoy a reliable and safe driving experience.
    April 1, 2024
    As summer approaches and temperatures begin to climb, ensuring your car's air conditioning system is ready becomes essential for a comfortable driving experience. At Premier Tire & Auto Service, we understand the importance of a reliable AC system, which is why we've put together this guide to help you get your vehicle ready to tackle the summer heat. 1. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Start your summer preparations by scheduling a comprehensive inspection of your car's air conditioning system with our team of expert technicians at Premier Tire & Auto Service. Our skilled professionals will carefully examine every component of your AC system, checking for leaks, worn-out parts, or any other potential issues that could affect its performance. By addressing any problems early on, you can ensure that your AC is in top condition and ready to keep you cool throughout the season. 2. Recharge the Refrigerant: Over time, the refrigerant in your car's AC system can become depleted, leading to reduced cooling efficiency. During your inspection, our technicians will check the refrigerant levels and recharge it if necessary to restore optimal cooling performance. This simple yet essential step will help ensure that your AC blows cold air consistently, even on the hottest summer days. 3. Clean or Replace the Cabin Air Filter: The cabin air filter is responsible for trapping dust, pollen, and other contaminants, ensuring clean air inside your vehicle's cabin and maintaining proper airflow through the AC system. Over time, the filter can become clogged, restricting airflow and reducing cooling efficiency. During your visit to Premier Tire & Auto Service, our technicians will inspect the condition of the cabin air filter and clean or replace it as needed. This will not only improve the performance of your AC but also contribute to a healthier interior environment for you and your passengers. 4. Check the Condition of Belts and Hoses: The belts and hoses in your car's AC system are essential for the proper operation of various components, including the compressor and condenser. Over time, these components can wear out, crack, or develop leaks, leading to AC malfunctions. During your inspection at Premier Tire & Auto Service, our technicians will carefully inspect the condition of belts and hoses and replace any that show signs of wear or damage. This proactive approach can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure the smooth operation of your AC system throughout the summer months. 5. Test the AC System: Before you hit the road for your summer adventures, it's essential to test your car's AC system to ensure everything is working correctly. Our technicians will perform thorough tests to evaluate the cooling performance, airflow, and overall functionality of the system. If any issues are detected during testing, we'll promptly address them to ensure your comfort and safety on the road. Don't let the summer heat spoil your driving experience. With the help of Premier Tire & Auto Service, you can ensure that your car's air conditioning system is ready to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the season. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let our experienced technicians take care of your AC needs. Enjoy cool rides ahead with Premier Tire & Auto Service!
    Show More
    Share by: