Handling when the car engine is too hot

Car engine overheating is a fairly common problem. Every motorist needs to remember that prevention is better than cure and there are several things they can do to minimize the chance of an engine overheating. However, if this happens unfortunately, there are ways to avoid or minimize damage if the vehicle owner acts in time.

What causes car engine to overheat?

The cooling system on most modern cars works by circulating coolant through the engine block, where it absorbs heat and then transfers it to the radiator hoses, aided by a flow of cool air. enters through the front grille. When the fluid is at a lower temperature than the engine, it is recirculated back to the engine. An on-board water pump will keep the fluid in constant motion.

Overheating can have many causes, one of the most common being a lack of coolant. Loss of coolant means that there is too little solvent left to dissipate heat. This happens because of a broken faucet or a leaky radiator where water and coolant escape from the system. Symptoms of radiator hose damage include a collapsed, broken, or bulging hose. In any case, it should be replaced immediately. In addition, a faulty thermostat, radiator, or water pump can restrict coolant flow or only allow partial cooling water flow.

The engine, if it wants to have an optimal operating temperature, needs to be maintained by the cooling system. When starting up, especially on cold days, some engines need to warm up a bit, but with an efficient cooling system, stability is what matters. The liquid cooling system and radiator fan ensure that when the vehicle is in operation, the temperature does not rise too high.

If parts of the cooling system operate at full capacity for a long time, it may become defective. The engine will then gradually heat up until it overheats – which indicates that, first, the coolant has overheated or even boiled down, and second, that the engine itself is overheated. should overheat and some ingredients may melt. When the coolant boils and releases steam, it causes serious damage to the engine.

How to prevent car engine from overheating

• Overload: Do not carry more than the vehicle’s rating. Drivers need to learn about the vehicle’s limits and not let it be overloaded.
• Engine overwork : Do not put too much pressure on the engine, especially in hot weather.
• Stopping the vehicle if the vehicle is overheated: If the vehicle detects signs of potential overheating but is unable to stop or seek assistance, the driver can drive for short distances, turn off the engine, and let the vehicle cool for a short while. 10 to 20 minutes and then keep moving.
• Avoid installing components that interfere with the cooling system: installing license plates, lights and the like in such a way that they obstruct airflow into the radiator can reduce the likelihood of heat dissipation. car cooler. This is especially important for vehicles with high demands on their cooling systems. Examples include heavy-duty pickup trucks that can carry large loads, such as the Chevrolet Silverado HD, and high-performance sports cars, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Signs to recognize when the engine is too hot

The driver can see the temperature gauge needle pointing upwards or hear a warning tone. A few telltale signs are listed below:

• Warning light / tone
• Steam or smoke from under the hood
• Noise coming from the car
• The smell of plastic or metal being burned or melted
• Coolant/water leak on the ground
• The bonnet / grille is too hot to the touch

What to do when the engine overheats?

• Stop the car as soon as possible and open the hood
• Call traffic assistance or a trusted qualified mechanic
• Let the engine cool for at least half an hour before touching anything
• Do not continue to operate the vehicle without knowing the extent of the damage
• After at least 30 minutes, carefully open the radiator cap to release some of the pressure, while at the same time guarding against possible compression of steam.
• Fill with water/coolant if necessary and replace radiator cap after a few minutes
• Check for coolant leaks before driving away and keep an eye on your temperature gauge while driving

While a simple fix may be to just add more water and coolant mixture, the problem could be more serious than the car owner imagines. As such, they still need an expert to pinpoint the exact problem – a qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose and recommend an appropriate remedy.

Most automotive engine cooling system problems can be avoided through preventive maintenance. Drivers need to have their vehicles serviced regularly, check the cooling system and always make sure they replace outdated parts, detect signs of leaks, and always make sure to use a mixture of water and anti-freeze. Freeze accordingly.

Vehicle owners should also check the coolant level regularly on the engine when it is not running (in the morning before use).

According to Tien Phong

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