Ways To Prevent Your Car From Overheating
Posted on: 28 September 2016
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Your car is a finely tuned instrument of conveyance, moving you from point A to point B through all kinds of weather. However, it's important not to let your car overheat. How, you ask? Well, there are three basic things you can do to make sure your car doesn't blow a gasket. Literally.
Fluids Equal Love
The number one way to ensure your car does not overheat is to pay attention to the fluids in your car that are part of the heat exchange system. The oil pulls heat away from the engine block; your transmission fluid lubricates and pulls heat from the gear box; and your radiator coolant helps transfer all that heat away from the car. If one of these fluids is low or dirty, it is not going to do its job properly, meaning more heat buildup in your engine. Keeping these fluids changed on schedule is important.
On Radiator Fluid
You might not think that you should use antifreeze in the summer. After all, it is anti-freeze, not anti-boil. But, you don't ever want to use straight water in your radiator. That's because water by itself is a corrosive, especially to the untreated pipes in your motor. Anti-freeze dilutes the water and lessens the corrosion that can happen. Additionally, coolant raises the boiling temperature of the radiator fluids, making sure that the liquid can do the best job possible cooling your engine block.
Use Your Eyes
The radiator is a key part to keeping your engine cool, but things can go wrong. If you notice your temperature gauge is creeping up, take the time to do a complete visual inspection of the radiator block. When the engine is cold, run your fingers along the hoses to check for cracks or strains. Inspect the joints to make sure there is no leakage. Look at the radiator fins to ensure that they aren't bent or damaged. Damaged fins prevent adequate air flow to the radiator, lessening its effectiveness. Also, check the belts for the fan and the water pump. If anything seems loose, have it checked by a mechanic.
Keeping your car running at a stable temperature is an important part of making sure you don't get stranded at the side of the road. With just a few steps and a little preventive maintenance you can help ensure that your car won't overheat when you're stuck in traffic. If you are having trouble, it may also be a good idea to take your car into a professional, such as The Dyno Shop.