With the outrageous heatwave that has hit many parts of the world, many people are cranking up their air conditioning to relieve themselves.
If humans feel so much heat, how much more is your car?
Many people don’t think of the effect of the heat on their vehicles. Just like you prepare your vehicle for the winter – you need to do the same for the heat.
There are many reasons why your engine might overheat but currently – the heatwave!
To avoid engine meltdown at this temperature, you need to take better care of your car. Engine fluids should not be found wanting. Regular checks and maintenance will give your car an edge over non-maintained cars.
Here are some tips that you can implore to keep your car cool and avoid engine meltdown:
How to Cool Down Your Car and Avoid Overheating
1. Park Your Car in the Shade
Park your car in a shade. This sounds easy but can keep your car cool and avoid overheating. Avoid parking in the sun as much as possible, to protect your car’s interior and engine.
2. Use Car Window Shades
You cannot always find shades to park your car, so invest in window shades. These shades will keep your interior cool and protect it from sun damage. If you don’t find one that fits your car, consider getting them custom-made to fit your vehicle.
3. Check The Air Conditioning
With the outrageous heatwave, it is important to check your air conditioning, especially for long travels. This is the best way to keep cool and prevent gas leaks while traveling long distances in the heat.
4. Check the Battery
Battery failure is common in hot temperatures. Check battery fluid levels and top up where necessary to avoid breakdown. If your battery is sealed, check the battery monitor regularly for leakage.
5. Top-up Engine Fluids
It is important to check the fluid level to avoid overheating. Engine coolant is important to keep the engine cool during a heatwave, and if this dries up causes the engine to overheat. Also, check on other fluids like the transmission fluids, motor oil, power steering fluids, and windshield fluids.
6. Turn on the heat to cool the engine
While on a long trip, turn up the heat to get hot air trapped in the engine out of the way. This can help cool down the engine, but cannot fix underlying problems. While the heat is on, open your windows for fresh air.
7. Stay Up To Date With Servicing
The last thing you want is to have your car break down when you have somewhere important to be. To avoid this, stay up to date with servicing. Extreme temperature can cause your tires to burst, make sure to have them checked in this heatwave. Your fluids should be topped up regularly and frequent trips to the mechanic for servicing should be your routine.
Engine Overheating? What next?
Different cars give different signals when overheating, the most notable of signs is steam coming from your hood. You’ll likely have a small burning or a sweet odor from your engine. Also, your car’s temperature gauge will be off the roof, showing red or high.
So what do you do next when your engine overheats?
If you find yourself in this situation, stay calm and don’t go into a frenzy to avoid causing an accident. First, pull over and turn off your engine immediately. For about 10 minutes, allow your vehicle to cool down.
Once the car has cooled down, open the hood and allow the steam to clear out. Once the steam is out of the way, turn on the ignition without starting the engine. If the temperature gauge and fluids level are back to normal, restart the engine.
If the engine fails to start or makes weird sounds, call your mechanic and have the car towed for repairs.
Conclusion
When scheduling a car servicing request have your radiator serviced as it can be weakened in the heat. Also ensure your safety as well – if you can avoid driving in the heat, do. Finally, have an emergency kit in your vehicle which should include water, jump cables, an extra battery, engine fluids, etc.
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