While you might love to bask in the sun, your car’s engine doesn’t appreciate the heat as much. Excessive heat can cause your engine to overheat, halting those vacation plans and landing your vehicle in the repair shop with an expensive repair. Don’t wait for the temperature warning light to come on. Read on to learn what can cause your engine to overheat, what to do if it happens to you, and what steps you can take to prevent your car from overheating this summer.
1) Park your car in the shade
Parking in the shade not only keeps you cool but can prolong the life of your car. Excessive heat can cause paint to fade, tires and steering components to crack, and your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to break down. Whether you’re shopping or running errands, you can keep your car in the shade by parking in a garage or parking lot with shade trees.
2) Don’t let your car idle for long periods of time
Idling isn’t only bad for your wallet; it’s also bad for your engine. While your car is idling, your engine is using more fuel than it normally would, causing excess heat and an increase in emissions. Your car also isn’t moving, so exhaust can’t escape from the engine compartment. The only way to improve this situation is to reduce your idling time and plan your stops to ensure that you’re driving at consistent speeds for most of the trip.
3) Check your car’s coolant regularly
You should make this a habit. You should regularly check your car for coolant levels. Check inside the coolant reservoir or the radiator. Make sure that your coolant and water levels are appropriate as this is the most common practice that can help you prevent your car from overheating.
4) Keep an eye on the temperature gauge
You should keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If you notice it getting warm, you might want to pull over and check your coolant levels. The device has a needle that should always be pointing toward the centre. If it points toward hot, pull over, turn off the engine and let the car cool down.
5) Have your radiator flushed by a mechanic
If you notice your car overheating, have your radiator flushed by a mechanic. Radiator flushes help keep your radiator free from dirt, corrosion and biological growth that can clog it up and cause it to overheat. Your local mechanic can take care of this for you so you’re all set before the summer heat strikes.
6) Leave your windows slightly open
If you can, try to leave your windows slightly open if you’re parked in direct sunlight. This will let some of your heat escape and avoid unnecessary pressure on your windscreen.
