Every driver should know how to cool a vehicle's overheated engine. If you can diagnose and repair your car's mechanical problems, you can get back on the road quickly, avoid costly repairs, and know when to go to an experienced mechanic.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Managing an Overheated Engine
Step 1. Don't panic and pull over as soon as possible
Engine overheating is a serious problem, but it does not cause any immediate danger. If the dashboard thermometer reaches the red zone or you notice steam coming out of the hood, slow down and park by the roadside as soon as you find a safe spot. If you notice white puffs coming from the engine, it's not smoke, it's steam, so you have some time to pull over. If you are unable to stop immediately, you should:
- Turn off the air conditioner and open the windows.
- Run the fan and heater to full to suck the heat from the motor.
- Turn on the distress signal (improperly called "four arrows") and drive slowly at a constant speed until you can stop.
Step 2. Raise the hood when no more steam comes out
If the car is not too hot, turn off the engine and raise the engine compartment hood slowly. If, on the other hand, the body is hot to the touch or you still see steam, then wait for the temperature to drop. Opening the hood dissipates some of the heat that develops from the engine.
- Turn off the engine and leave the key in the "On" position. The lights, dashboard, etc., should still be on. This will allow the fans to run with the engine off.
- Wait until the engine is completely cold before touching it or opening the radiator cap. The process could take 30-45 minutes, but it will save you from severe burns.
Step 3. Check the top of the radiator pump
Squeezing the pump can help you determine if your cooling system is under pressure and consequently decide if you can safely remove the cap.
Use a tea towel to touch the pump, it can be very hot
Step 4. Wait for the radiator to cool completely before removing the cap
The pressure and vapor within the cooling system could cause fluid to explode or splash towards your face. Stay safe and wait as long as you can. When you feel it just warm to the touch, you can take it off.
The coolant inside an overheated engine can reach high temperatures, up to over 120 ° C. In an airtight system it will not boil. However, once exposed to the air it will boil instantly and can cause severe burns. Wait for the system to cool
Step 5. Turn the radiator cap
Use a thick tea towel to carefully turn it. The cap will expose the fluid inside the radiator or cylinder head to the atmosphere. If the cap is not to be screwed on, it will be necessary to press it down once it is loosened in order to remove the safety. This will allow you to remove it completely.
Step 6. Check the coolant reservoir once the engine has cooled down sufficiently
Usually, this should take 30-45 minutes. This tank is usually a plastic container connected to the radiator cap. As a rule, there are marks on one side that let you know how full it should be.
Step 7. Check the engine for leaks
The most common cause of overheating is a leak in the cooling system. Look for a pool of green fluid under the car or on the engine, especially if you notice that the tank is empty or nearly empty. That said, it should be remembered that the cooling system needs pressure to function, so even the smallest crack that lets even the smallest amount of liquid fall can be a problem.
- Coolant typically smells sweet and you can smell it coming from the hoses, under the car and around the radiator cap.
- Coolant is often green on older car models, but the color may vary based on the specific car make or model.
Step 8. Refill the radiator tank when the car is cold
If you have coolant with you, add some when the engine is cold; usually just wait 30-45 minutes. Open the radiator cap and pour in as little as you can in 3-5 seconds. If you also have water, use it to dilute the coolant in equal parts and then pour the mixture into the radiator. Most engines are built to run on a 50% mixture of water and coolant.
In extreme cases, know that pure water is also sufficient, even if it is not advisable to drive for a long time
Step 9. Start the engine again, once it has cooled down, and check the thermometer on the dashboard
Is the hand still in the red zone? In this case, you have to turn off the engine again and wait another 10-15 minutes before getting back on the road. If the thermometer indicates an acceptable temperature, drive to the first mechanical workshop.
Step 10. Call a tow truck if you can't fix the problem or if you notice any complications
If there is a leak in the cooling system, from the oil pan, or the engine is not cooling, then call for breakdown immediately. An overheated engine could be completely damaged and even ruin the whole car if you're not careful.
If you absolutely must drive the car, make sure the engine is as cold as possible before turning it back on
Part 2 of 3: Driving with an Overheated Engine
Step 1. Remember that you can start driving again once the thermometer detects a normal temperature
However, you shouldn't drive for long if you can do without it. That said, there are occasions when you have no choice.
- If the engine does not overheat again, then it could have been a momentary episode caused by a number of factors (air conditioner on, hot day, heavy traffic with constant stops and starts). Either way, keep monitoring the temperature light to avoid worse problems.
- Most cars are calibrated to sense overheating before the engine is seriously damaged, giving you time to take action. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore the spies.
Step 2. Turn off the air conditioner
This device uses the power of the engine to cool the cabin and the last thing you want is to put some strain on the engine. Open the windows.
Step 3. Turn the heat on to maximum
While it may seem counterintuitive to you, the heater works by drawing hot air from the engine and pouring it back into the passenger compartment. For this reason, run the fan and the heater to maximum to eliminate hot air from the engine and the car, even if it will not be very pleasant to stay in the cabin.
- Rotate the air vents towards the windows to prevent it from getting too hot inside the car.
- Alternatively, you can set the temperature to "Defrost" to prevent it from being blown directly on you.
Step 4. Engage the neutral gear and rev the engine
Bring it up to 2000 rpm with the gear shift in neutral. This allows both the motor and the fan to rotate more quickly, so that the circulation of coolant and air is greater, eliminating some heat. If the traffic is "in fits and starts", this is a great technique for keeping the engine running when the car is stationary.
Step 5. Pour some water into the radiator if you don't have coolant
However, this remedy is not recommended for long journeys, as the water only cools the engine a little. Pour lukewarm water into the radiator but not before the engine has cooled down. Cold water could cause the engine to rupture and stall due to the extreme temperature fluctuation.
Step 6. Drive for short distances, then turn off the engine and repeat if you need to continue traveling
If you can't help but drive with an overheated engine, then carefully check the thermometer on the dashboard. Whenever it reaches an alarm level, pull over, shut off the vehicle and wait 10-20 minutes for the engine to cool. This is not the best procedure for the integrity of the engine, but it is better than driving non-stop until it is completely melted.
Step 7. Be aware that you will need to see a mechanic if your car overheats very often
If the car continues to overheat, has a leak, or the engine won't start, call the mechanic. While the advice outlined in this tutorial allows you to "handle" the situation as it arises, there is still a major problem that needs to be fixed before the engine is fully melted down.
Part 3 of 3: Avoid Overheating
Step 1. Drive slowly and at a steady speed instead of stopping and starting in traffic
Continuous stops and starts stress the engines and cause them to overheat, especially those of old cars. Don't overdo the brake and let the car drive slowly, aware that you will have to stop anyway as soon as you reach the bumper of the car in front of you.
Get used to checking the temperature gauge at every red light and stop sign
Step 2. To cool the cabin, roll down the windows instead of using the air conditioner
The air conditioner uses the power of the engine to reduce the temperature inside the passenger compartment, thus putting it under strain. The first thing you should do when you notice that the engine is getting too hot is to turn off the air conditioning, although you should always avoid using it if your car tends to overheat for any reason.
If you are very late in the time of the overhaul, you have found a leak in the cooling system, there is little refrigerant in the tank or the air conditioner has problems that you have not yet solved, then absolutely do not operate the air conditioner
Step 3. Change the oil regularly and check the fan as well
Old oil leads to engine overheating, especially if there are other malfunctions or the coolant in the radiator tank is low. Whenever you do an oil change, ask the mechanic to check the fan as well; identifying a problem immediately will save you costly repairs in the future.
You should hear a rustle coming from the fan once the engine is turned off, as this element is working to cool it
Step 4. Top up coolant in early summer
Check the radiator reservoir and make sure the fluid level matches the notches on the sides of the container. If the level is a little low, prepare an equal parts mixture of water and coolant and top up to the recommended level. This is very important, especially if you live in very hot regions.
When checking the coolant, take up to a couple of minutes to check for leaks. Radiator fluid is usually green and smells sweet. Check under the car, around the engine and on the hoses or radiator elements you can see
Step 5. Have an emergency kit in your car for these situations
The last thing you want to happen is to find yourself abandoned in thin air with a car you can't use. A simple kit will keep your car and person safe, especially if you have to keep driving before you reach a mechanic. The kit should contain:
- Spare coolant;
- 4 l of water;
- Basic mechanical tools and tools;
- A flashlight;
- Non-perishable food;
- A blanket;
- A straight cutting blade;
- Scotch tape;
- Phillips and slotted screwdrivers.
