Your engine can overheat because of many issues. You can still save your car from damage if you take the right steps after an engine overheat. Here are the things to do when your car's engine overheats.
Pull Over Safely and Turn Off Your Car
If your car is overheating and you're on the road, try to pull over safely and turn off your vehicle. Don't just turn off the ignition. The most important thing is to ensure your engine is not running or hot before you get out of the vehicle. If you are on a hill, pull over so that your car is in a safe location. If you can, open all windows and vents (and even take off sunroofs) so that air can circulate throughout your car. You should then call for a mechanic from an auto repair shop as soon as possible.
Check the Coolant Level
You can check your coolant level when the engine is completely cool. The first place to look is in the radiator, the reservoir and an overflow tank (if equipped). Checking this will let you know if your cooling system needs antifreeze or if it's running low on coolant altogether. If there's no indication of a leak, but your vehicle still overheats, you may have a problem with your thermostat or temperature gauge sensor.
Turn On Your Heater
Turning on your heater will help pull heat away from the engine and let it dissipate into the air, which is easier to handle than having all that heat trapped inside the vehicle. If you can't turn on your heater, open up the windows to get air flowing. If you have air conditioning, turn it on.
When your engine overheats, it can be dangerous for you and your car. If you need to schedule engine repair for your vehicle, call our auto repair shop today!