Don’t Fall Victim to Your Car Overheating This Summer
Summer is finally here and with all the atmosphere issues, it looks as though we are in for a really scorching hot one. Many people plan their summer vacations and multiple weekend getaways well in advance of summer’s arrival. You probably have already figured out what you are going to pack, what tourist activities interest you and what type of memories you are looking to add to the memory book. But many people forget one thing before heading out for vacation. When driving that long distance to your vacation spot, be sure to have your vehicle checked before you head out so you don’t find yourself falling victim to your car overheating during your travels.
With that said, there are a few things you need to do to ensure your vehicle will not overheat when driving in sweltering summer temperatures. We have taken this opportunity to discuss those items with you so you do not come face to face with car troubles on your vacation.
How to Prevent Overheating
One of the best ways to avoid car overheating problems is simply by ensuring you perform routine maintenance on your vehicle. This is the first and most important step in avoiding any type of engine trouble for your car. With the multitude of systems in your car, some of which are specifically designed to regulate temperatures, you want to ensure that each is performing at peak levels at all times. Your engine oil, for instance, is responsible for providing lubrication to the moving parts of your car’s engine. It also serves to minimize friction and reduce heat. By engaging in routine maintenance and especially oil changes, you help to ensure that your engine is running cool at all times.
Understanding your car’s cooling system is important for every vehicle owner. Your cooling system is comprised of many parts from fans and belts to coolant fluids. Over time the cooling system in your vehicle will develop what are called scale deposits that restrict the circulation of coolant. When this occurs, it is necessary to have your cooling system flushed out. That is where the professionals here at Auto Clinic of Franklin come in. Our highly educated, skilled and trained technicians carry out all the normal examinations of your vehicle and ensure that your car is effectively and efficiently cooled down and able to keep on running for years down the road.
Steps to Take Should Your Car Overheat
If you find yourself faced with a car overheating, make sure to pull over right away. Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and then turn off your engine. Make certain not to open the hood of your car at this time. Wait for your vehicle to cool down, typically about a half an hour. You want to wait until the temperature gauge is indicating normal vehicle temperatures. Next, check the coolant levels of the vehicle. You can locate the coolant typically near to the radiator. It is a transparent reservoir. If the coolant levels are low, you must refill the reservoir. We highly recommend when traveling long distances in the scorching summer months that you travel with and extra bottle of coolant.
Next, you want to check the hoses for any leaks by squeezing them. If you feel no pressure from the liquids in the hose, then surely you have a problem. If you decide and are comfortable enough to remove your radiator cap, take very careful steps in doing so. Protect your hand and be sure to tilt the lid in a direction away from your face. Wait until the car is completely cooled down to do this. Never try to remove the radiator cap when the vehicle is still hot. Also, if you find it necessary to pour water into the radiator, never pour it into a hot radiator since that can quickly crack the engine block on your car.
We hope you found this information useful. However, if you are worried about the maintenance and overall health of your vehicle in the sweltering summer months ahead, then simply come on down to our facility and let us perform any needed routine maintenance so as to avoid your car overheating this summer. The friendly, professional technicians here at Auto Clinic of Franklin are on hand to perform all your needed oil changes, fluid flushes, or any type of auto repairs you may have. We look forward to serving you and to helping to make your summer a season of travel, fun and memories for you and your family!!
