A lot of car owners have faced a car breakdown at least once in their lives. There are many reasons why a breakdown happens, and most of them are preventable, with regular maintenance and good driving habits. Some of the most common causes for a car breaking down include a flat tire, spark problems, problems with the electrics, and perhaps the one issue that comes up the most, engine overheating.
Engine overheating is a really serious issue and it can be quite a hassle if it happens to you while driving. Even though overheating mostly occurs in the summer, because of the high temperatures, it can happen throughout the year no matter the weather conditions. However, it is preventable if you take precautionary measures and maintain the car properly. There are a couple of symptoms the car gives away that can help you see that the engine is about to overheat.
The first sign that the engine can overheat soon is the temperature warning light. If it starts flashing, it means that the engine’s temperature is above acceptable levels. Also, if you notice a burning smell coming through the radiator, then it is time to stop and check the engine. Reasons for engine overheating are mostly related to coolant fluid and the whole system supplying the engine with coolant. If the engine is not receiving the necessary amount of coolant, it is probably because of faulty coolant hoses, perhaps there is a leak somewhere in there, maybe a thermostat is broken, or there is something wrong with a water pump.
There are a couple of thing you can do to prevent the engine from overheating. It’s very important to check the radiator regularly and monitor the coolant level. If there is not enough left, fill it up. Also, see if there are any coolant leaks on the driveway or the garage where you keep your car parked, which would indicate that the engine is not doing very well. Lastly, if your car has a fan that is supposed to keep the radiator fluid cool, you have to make sure it is working properly so that the coolant can do its job. So, whatever the reason for an engine overheating is, if it happens to you, you must stop and don’t try and go a couple of miles more if you are close to your destination. If you continue to drive, the engine and the whole car will suffer serious damage which will take a lot of money to repair.