21
Sep
Car Overheating: A Driver’s Guide to Staying Safe
An overheating car is a stressful and potentially dangerous problem that can happen at the worst possible times. Seeing that temperature gauge climb into the red zone is a clear sign to take immediate action to prevent serious engine damage.
Understanding the causes of overheating and knowing the correct steps to take can save you from a cracked engine block or a blown head gasket. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes a Car to Overheat?
Your car’s cooling system is complex, and a failure in any part of it can lead to an overheating engine. The most common culprits we see at our workshop include:
- Low Coolant Levels: Coolant is the lifeblood of your engine’s cooling system.
- Coolant Leaks: A leak in the radiator, hoses, or water pump is a common cause of coolant loss.
- Broken Thermostat: If the thermostat gets stuck closed, it stops coolant from circulating.
- Faulty Radiator Fan: The fan is crucial for cooling the engine, especially in stop-start traffic.
- Clogged Radiator: Debris and sediment can block the radiator, preventing proper coolant flow.
- Failed Water Pump: The water pump is the heart of the cooling system; if it fails, the engine will quickly overheat.
Your Car is Overheating: What to Do (and What NOT to Do)
If you notice your temperature gauge rising, you need to act fast. Follow these steps to minimise damage and stay safe.
- Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs: Turn on your car’s heater to full blast. This helps pull heat away from the engine. It will be uncomfortable, but it can help reduce the engine’s temperature as you find a safe place to stop.
- Pull Over Safely: As soon as you can, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine completely. Continuing to drive can cause catastrophic and irreversible engine damage.
- Don’t Open the Hood Immediately: Never open the hood if you see steam or smoke. The cooling system is highly pressurised and can spray scalding hot coolant, causing serious burns. Wait until the engine has cooled down significantly (at least 30 minutes).
- Don’t Attempt a Roadside Fix Without Knowledge: Overheating issues are often complex. Adding coolant to a hot engine can cause it to crack. If you aren’t an experienced mechanic, the safest option is to call for a tow.
The Expert Solution at Our Sunshine North Workshop
An overheating engine is not a problem you can ignore. The best and safest course of action is to have your vehicle towed to a professional workshop for an expert diagnosis.
At JustFix Automotive, our Sunshine North workshop is fully equipped with the diagnostic tools and equipment necessary to handle any overheating issue. Our skilled mechanics will:
- Perform a Full Cooling System Pressure Test to find any leaks.
- Diagnose Faulty Components like water pumps, thermostats, and radiator fans.
- Provide a Transparent, Fixed-Price Quote before any work begins.
- Use High-Quality Parts and Coolant for all repairs to ensure a lasting solution.
Prevent Overheating with Regular Maintenance
The best way to deal with overheating is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Regular maintenance is key. During a routine service at JustFix Automotive, we inspect your vehicle’s cooling system, check for leaks, and ensure your coolant levels are correct.
If your car has overheated or is due for a service, don’t wait. Contact the trusted team at our JustFix Automotive workshop in Sunshine North today to book an inspection.