WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAR OVERHEATS

26 Feb WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAR OVERHEATS

This is the Engine Temperature Warning Light

While your best bet is to get help from a mechanic, your safest bet is to be prepared and here are a few tips on how to do so:

• At the first sign of overheating, shut off your air conditioner and open your windows: Doing so decreases the load on the engine and helps it cool off.
• If your car overheats, do not drive more than 1 kilometre. Pull over to avoid further damage to the engine.
• Do not open the hood until the car has completely cooled or the temperature gauge has moved from hot to cool.
• While stopped and the temperature gauge is rising, shift into Neutral or Park and rev the engine a little: Doing so makes the water pump and the fan speed up, which draws more liquid and air through the radiator. The increased air and liquid circulation helps cool things off.
• Check the coolant level in the radiator and if low wait till completely cool before slowly twisting it off with a towel and beware of any hot steam!
• If needed, fill coolant to the top of the radiator. Put the radiator cap back on.

If these steps don’t help, the problem may be more technical e.g. lower radiator hose and any of the heater hoses may be blocked, disconnected or burst.

While your best bet is to get help from a mechanic, your safest bet is to be prepared. Store these essential items in your car: Coolant, tool kit, working flashlight, non-perishable foods and water.