Have you ever noticed your temperature gauge climbing toward "H," or maybe your dashboard warning lights are flashing? You may have a moment of panic. However, knowing what to do next could mean the difference between replacing a $20 thermostat or spending thousands of dollars on repairs. Taking steps to cool your engine now may reduce the risk of irreversible engine damage.
Turn off the A/C and Turn up the Heater
First, turn off the vehicle's air conditioner to take pressure off the engine. Next, turn the heater up high to pull heat away from the engine. These two steps will help keep the engine from overheating further until you can pull over in a safe location.
Find a Safe Place to Pull Over
Once you have pulled over in a safe place, turn off the vehicle and let the engine cool for at least 15 minutes. Your next step is to work out how you will get your vehicle to an auto repair shop. You may have a friend you can call on, or you may need to ring a tow truck or roadside assistance.
Check and Add Coolant
Check if your coolant or water level is low; adding a top-up could help protect your engine and stop further overheating. Although, this step won't help if you have a clogged coolant hose, broken radiator fan, or a water pump.
Try to Restart the Engine
If no one can come and help you, but your engine has cooled, restart your vehicle and drive to an auto repair shop. Monitor your temperature gauge as you go, and if it rises, pull over again and let the system cool.
Come and See Us For All Your Vehicle Repairs
Getting your vehicle to an auto repair shop as soon as possible is critical, but prevention is essential to stop it from happening in the first place. Therefore, regular services will save you money in the long run. So if you need engine repair, don't hesitate to give Springdale Automotive a call today!