Blog Layout

How to prevent your car from overheating?

salvagerhw • August 29, 2018

During this heat, you take precautions for your skin and body; but some people forgot about their vehciles. They get negative side effects from the heat. Below are some ways that you can take action against the heat and save that vehicle of yours.

  1.  Park in the shade

You can feel the temperature difference between the shade and the sun – and so can your car. Parking in the shade not only keeps you cool, but can prolong the life of your car. No shady spot? Use a sunshade to reduce heat inside the car.

  1. Tint your windows

A local dealership or auto body shop can apply tinted windows to help keep your car cooler, and protect your interior from sun damage.

  1. Use a sun shade

Keeping a sun shade in the car is helpful because you can’t always guarantee that you’ll find a shaded or covered area to park in. These UV heat shields will keep the interior from getting super-hot, plus it protects your interior from the damaging effects of the sun. You might even consider getting a custom-made sun screen that is designed to fit your make and model of car. These special shades can be more effective at keeping all of the rays out.

  1. Get rid of hot air

Closed windows trap hot air, and the glass serves as a conductor that helps heat up the enclosed space. Leave your windows open slightly so the air can escape – and if you have a sunroof, crack that, too. Make sure the opening is not large enough for someone to reach through. If you leave your windows cracked, remember to keep an eye on the weather – one sudden summer storm could lead to a soggy interior.

  1. Turn the floor vents on

Most people get in the car and turn the upper vents on “high” to get the air flowing. But you’re actually better off directing the air through the floor vents. Hot air rises, so switch to the bottom vents and put your blower on the maximum setting to push that air out. Then, once the car begins cooling, you can open the upper vents again.

  1. Use the fresh air setting on your A/C

Using the re-circulation setting means you’re just moving that hot, trapped air around your vehicle, so that’s something you want to use after your car has had the chance to cool down. Give it 10 minutes or so, then switch over.

  1. Keep your eye on the temperature gauge

  Located on the dashboard, the device has a needle that should always be pointing toward the center. If it points toward hot, pull over, turn off the engine and let the car cool down.

  1. Turning on the heat

Turning on the heat may be the last thing you want to do on a hot summer day, but it can pull hot air from the engine compartment and cool the engine. It won’t fix the underlying problem, but it’s a good measure for long drives.

  1. Add engine coolant

This is especially important in hot months. To check the coolant level, open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. The coolant level is shown by indicator lines on the reservoir. If too low, simply add the appropriate amount of coolant and reattach the cap. Engine coolant is often sold as a 50/50 mix of water and coolant. You can also buy concentrated coolant and mix it yourself.

  Safety tip: Never add coolant to a hot engine. Wait for the engine to cool before removing the cap or pouring in coolant.

  1. Have your cooling system flushed by a mechanic

Even if you keep engine coolant at the right levels, it will eventually get dirty and need to be replaced. Flushing involves draining old coolant from the radiator, cleaning it with flush fluid and adding new coolant. Mechanics recommend a flush every 40,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

  1. Consider replacing your battery

If your car battery is older than three years, it may not be providing the power it once did, so your car has to work harder and can overheat. Your mechanic can help you determine whether you may need a new battery.

If you find yourself in a situation where your car overheats, follow these steps to ensure you and your vehicle remain safe:

  • Pull over, park your car and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Let your car cool for a minimum of 10 minutes.
  • Open the hood of your car to allow the heat to clear out quickly.
  • Once your car has cooled off, turn the ignition to its first position (don’t start the engine). If you see that the temperature gauge is within a normal range and engine fluid levels are sufficient, try to start the engine.
  • If the engine makes unusual sounds or it does not start at all, it’s best to stay on the safe side and call for roadside assistance to have your car towed. This will allow for a mechanic to inspect it and make the necessary repairs.

What can cause your car to overheat?

Hot temperatures alone might not be causing your vehicle to overheat. If your car’s cooling systems aren’t functioning correctly, it can lead to serious damage to your engine and expensive repairs. Here are a few common engine problems that can cause your car to run hot that you should know about:

  • Coolant : Every car has a cooling system to help keep the temperature of the engine down. If your cooling system has a leak, blockage or pump malfunction, the coolant might not be able to circulate properly. Cooling system malfunctions aren’t just problematic when it’s hot out; very cold temperatures can cause coolant to freeze and prevent circulation.
  • Thermostat: Another possible issue could be a problem with the thermostat. A vehicle’s thermostat is responsible for regulating the amount of coolant flowing through the engine. A broken or malfunctioning one can easily cause your car to overheat.
  • Low Oil: A car’s oil does more than just lubricate moving parts. It also helps to remove excess heat from the engine. If your vehicle has low oil, it might be causing your car to run hot.
  • Radiator Fan: If your cooling fan isn’t turning on or running at the right level, it can case your car to overheat. Radiator fans usually run on electric motors, so any motor mechanical problems can lead to your fan not providing enough cool air flow.

Of course these aren’t the only possible problems that can cause a car to overheat. It’s a good idea to find a reliable mechanic who can diagnose and service your car, and get protection in case your car overheats while you’re on the road.

This information is from Nationwide Blog (Vehicle – Maintenace from June 4, 2017)

A Thanksgiving Tradition: Macy’s Day Parade

By Roberta Willson • November 25, 2024
One of this country's most celebrated Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy’s Day Parade! I am sure you are excited about the floats, the entertainers, and the celebrities, but what about all the trucks that these floats are towed with and the numbers behind them? Here are just four fun facts from the Macy’s Day Parade.

10 of the Best Vehicles from Films Over the Years

By Roberta Willson • September 9, 2024
Cars play a significant role in movies, they change how the film is viewed and enjoyed. We have compiled a list of 10 movies with some of the best or iconic vehicles of their time.

Getting Your Car Ready: Summer Vs. Winter

By Roberta Willson • May 15, 2024
There are many differences from the winter months to summertime and I am not just talking about the weather! Your car reacts differently and therefore needs to be taken care of differently. Here are 5 items to check when switching your vehicle from the winter to the summer months.

Fuel Economy by Season

By Jason Pelland • February 8, 2024
Just like us, our vehicles operate a little differently based on the season and temperatures outside. Here in New England, we get all kinds of weather but what does that mean for your car and getting the best gas mileage by the season. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your fuel economy, all year long!

What to do when you bring a car to the salvage yard

By Roberta Willson • January 24, 2024
Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you looking for a great way to make some money before you purchase a new or used vehicle? Did you just put on new tires or new parts into your vehicle? A salvage yard is a great option! A salvage yard might give you more money for your vehicle or parts than from a private sale or as a trade-in at a dealership. Once you have decided to bring your vehicle to a salvage yard, now what? How do you prepare yourself before you arrive and what happens when you get to the salvage yard? Let’s go through the steps to get you the cash you want from your used vehicle! Step One: Make sure you have the title to your vehicle. In order to sell your car to anyone, you need the title to your vehicle and a salvage yard is no exception. If you cannot find or have lost your title, you can request a new one from the RMV. The requirements to obtain a copy are dependent based on which state you live in.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Gallon of Gas

By Roberta Willson • November 16, 2023
The national average through 2023 is $3.58 per gallon of gas with it fluctuating each and every month. The good news is that we have seen gas prices go down over the last 12 months but it is still high enough to affect where people go on vacations, holidays, and even just weekend activities. If you are looking to save some cash with the holidays just around the corner. Here are six tips to help you get the most out of that pricey gallon of gas!

5 Reasons For The Trend Toward Smaller Cars

September 25, 2023
The trend towards smaller cars has been in the works for awhile but this year was the first year that critics and consumers agree - smaller is actually better. Gas pricing are soaring, parking is expensive, the economy is still recovering and where consumers can save some money are on smaller cars. Smaller cars mean less gas, mostly likely a lower MSRP, which in turns would mean cheaper upfront costs or even monthly car payments. Let’s discuss 5 reasons for this trend.

What should you do when your car or a part is recalled?

By Jason Pelland • August 29, 2023
Did you get a letter in the mail from the manufacturer, car dealership or even check online to find out that your vehicle has a recall? What should you do, how urgent is the recall, what steps do you need to take to ensure your vehicle is at its’ optimal preference level? First, let’s put it into perspective. While a recall is not something you should ignore; there are over 400 recalls a year that affect more than 25 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. In addition, the average vehicle will have 4 recalls in its lifespan and recalls never expire. Now that we have some perspective. What is the first thing you need to do once you become aware of your vehicle’s recall status? If you purchase your vehicle new or used from a dealership, contact them directly and they will advise you. If you purchased your vehicle through a private seller, contact the vehicle manufacturer and they are required by law to either repair the issue, replace the recalled item or refund the purchase price of the vehicle, minus depreciation.

5 Noises that Need Immediate Attention

By Roberta Willson • July 12, 2023
Our vehicles go through a lot. Most of us will ignore some noises that come out of our vehicle but there are some that just cannot be ignored. The question is, what are those noises that need your immediate attention.

Road Trip Ready: Your Vehicle Checklist

By Roberta Willson • June 7, 2023
It might not always feel like summer in New England but it’s right around the corner. As summer arrives, road trips may be in your future. Road trips can be fun and adventurous but having any car issues could certainly put a damper on your road trip. Let’s discuss how to get your vehicle “road-trip ready” so you can focus on the fun and adventure and not any mishaps with your vehicle!
More Posts
Share by: