Is your engine’s temperature creeping upward? An overheating engine is no laughing matter. Knowing the steps to take that can help keep your engine cool will also help prevent major damage. Many of the best ways to keep your car’s engine operating smoothly are simple to do, whether it’s at-home maintenance or adjusting your habits on the road.
Let’s take a closer look at how to help prevent engine overheating — and what to do if you notice your engine is already overheating.
Take Steps to Prevent Your Engine from Overheating
The best practice is prevention. Whether your car’s engine is running warm or everything seems to be operating smoothly, the best thing you can do for your vehicle’s health is to keep up with habits and services that help maintain the engine.
Change Engine Oil at Least Once a Year
Engine oil has several purposes, one of which is helping to moderate the operating temperature of the engine. When there’s adequate oil in the engine, it minimizes heat-generating friction between moving parts. It also draws heat from the combustion chambers down into the oil tank, where some of the heat is siphoned off by the environment. If engine oil is too low or thickened by contaminants, both of these processes may not happen as they should.
Keep an Eye on Coolant
One of the most important aspects of keeping engine temperature in check is ensuring the cooling system operates properly. Coolant cycles through the system, absorbing heat from the engine and out to the radiator before the chilled fluid returns to the engine. This process is essential for maintaining a safe operating temperature while you drive and cooling system issues are the most common cause of an overheating engine.
Clear Debris from the Radiator & Grille
A cool engine depends on airflow through the radiator and grille of your vehicle. Because the grille is on the front of your vehicle, it can easily become clogged with dirt, leaves, and other debris that will block airflow. Take time to check the exterior of your vehicle and clear as much dirt and debris as possible. Not only will this help keep the engine operating smoothly, but it may help you catch other issues with your vehicle, too.
Park in the Shade When Possible
The Florida sun is hot. If you feel it beating down on you, so does your vehicle. While the cooling system should be able to maintain proper operating temperature, the engine isn’t helped by sitting in the sun all day. Parts in the engine will be hot from sitting in the sun, making it more difficult for oil and coolant to lower the temperature. Plus, cranking the air conditioning to cool the cabin only makes it harder to cool down the engine.
Replace an Old Car Battery
Believe it or not, the health of your car battery also impacts engine operation and temperature. An old battery cannot always hold enough charge and may make the engine work harder than usual just to generate enough power. This extra strain put on the engine makes it more likely it may overheat. If you notice other signs of an old or faulty car battery, it’s time to make an appointment to have it replaced.
How to Prevent More Damage Once the Engine is Overheating
Has your engine’s temperature already crept up too high? An overheating engine is an urgent issue and should never be ignored. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help minimize the chances of further damage to the engine if it’s overheating.
Switch Off the AC & Turn on the Heat
It may be the last thing you want to do in the middle of a Florida summer, but turning on the heat in your car will help draw heat away from the engine. At the same time, cranking the air conditioning will only make an overheating engine worse, since it requires more power. Once you see your engine temperature running too high, the first thing to do is switch off the AC.
Find a Safe Place to Pull Off the Road
The second step to take is finding a safe place to pull to the side of the road. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine only puts your vehicle at risk of further damage, including possible engine failure. Let the engine cool for a while, then pop the hood to check engine oil and coolant levels. If either is low, you can top them off as a temporary solution. However, it’s important to have a trusted mechanic inspect your vehicle as soon as possible.
Engine Running Hot? The Mechanics at Your Local AAMCO Tallahassee Can Help
Whether your car’s engine is running slightly warmer than usual or is already overheating, it’s time to have a trusted mechanic run diagnostics and handle any necessary repairs. Visit your local AAMCO Tallahassee auto shop and our expert mechanics will ensure each essential system in your vehicle is operating smoothly. Schedule your appointment with us today!