Overheating can be a serious problem for a car, as it can severely damage its components and impact its performance. This issue tends to escalate during the summer when outside temperatures rise significantly. If overheating is not addressed, it can not only cost a fortune in repairs but also become a safety hazard. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips to help keep one’s car cool even in hot weather and prevent it from overheating.
Check coolant levels
Coolant is the fluid that keeps the car engine from getting too hot or too cold. Basically, its primary function is to maintain a suitable temperature for the engine to operate effectively. One of the most important ways to avoid the overheating of a car engine in summer is to closely monitor the coolant levels. Ideally, it is important to check the coolant levels of the engine at least twice a year, but it is especially crucial to do so when the season changes. Often, when a car overheats, it is due to the coolant levels or a leak in the fluid.
To be on the safe side, it is also recommended to carry extra coolant when going on long drives during summer. This way, if the car starts to overheat in the middle of the drive due to low coolant, one can immediately refill the fluid to protect the engine from heat damage. Additionally, make sure to consult a car mechanic if one encounters any issues.
Keep the radiator clean
A radiator is an essential part of the engine’s cooling system. Its main function is to release coolant and water toward the engine, to cool it down. Along with that, the radiator also vents away the excess heat from the engine to prevent it from overheating. With constant use, a lot of dirt and debris can accumulate on the fins of the radiator, which can keep it from venting away the heat from the engine. So, when a car overheats but the coolant levels are fine, it could be due to the radiator not being clean. To prevent the engine from overheating, especially during hot months, it is essential to clean the radiator fins regularly. To do this, one simply needs to brush away any dirt or debris accumulated on them using a tool. Apart from checking coolant levels, keeping the radiator clean is also an important practice to maintain a car’s cooling system.
Monitor the temperature gauge
To prevent a car from overheating, especially in summer, it is crucial for the driver to keep a close eye on the vehicle’s temperature gauge. One can easily find this indicator on the dashboard of the car, and it has two ends—one marked “H” for hot and the other marked “C” for cold. Ideally, the needle or the indicator should be positioned in the middle of this gauge.
If the needle or the temperature indication starts to move towards the “H,” it signifies that the car is overheating. When this occurs, it is important to act immediately to reduce any extra load on the engine and prevent it from getting any hotter. To do this, turn off the air conditioning in the car, slow down the vehicle, and, when possible, pull over to a safe location away from sunlight.
Drive carefully and responsibly
A helpful tip for keeping the car cool even in hot weather is to avoid putting extra strain on the engine. Driving practices such as sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and excessive speeds can significantly stress the engine, causing it to heat up. To prevent this, it is advisable to drive carefully and maintain a safe, steady speed when driving.
Avoid overusing the AC
Excessive use of the air conditioner, much like aggressive driving, can put a potential load on the engine and lead to heating. To prevent this, it is important for drivers to be mindful of their air conditioner usage. If the car does start to overheat, it may even become necessary to turn off the system altogether. During summers, this may feel challenging, but it is extremely important to reduce the extra load on the engine when temperatures rise in the car
Make sure the water pump is in good condition
Yet another car cooling system maintenance tip to follow this summer is to check the water pump. This component is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine to maintain a normal temperature. So, if the water pump is not functioning optimally, the coolant may not flow efficiently through the engine, which can lead to overheating during hot weather. Signs that the water pump may be malfunctioning include coolant leaks and high-pitched noises during acceleration. If one notices any of these signs, it is essential to take the car to a service center at the earliest.
Avoid driving in extreme heat
During the summer months, overheating can be attributed to the obvious cause—hot weather. To keep the car from overheating in extreme heat, it is advisable to avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. Along with that, parking the car under the shade can provide extra protection against vehicle overheating.
Do not overload the car trunk
Overloading the trunk with excessive luggage can also put pressure on the engine, as it needs to exert more power to carry the additional load. This added strain can eventually lead to the engine heating up. To prevent this issue, it is better to avoid packing and loading unnecessary items into the car’s trunk.
