At some point, all vehicles will require a repair or two. There is no stopping the inevitable wear and tear that all vehicles face in a lifetime. The important lesson to know is how to handle an unexpected breakdown or repair. Safety, communication, procedure, and more are all vital aspects to dealing with an overheated car or broken down vehicle. There is no need to worry too much about an overheated engine. There are several remedies for this. Continue reading to learn what to do if your car is overheating, as well as, who to call for reliable and fast assistance.
When Your Engine Begins to Overheat
You never want to continue driving a vehicle that has an overheating engine. This is for several reasons. Not only is it dangerous for a person’s health and safety, it also jeopardizes the degree of damage to the engine. As soon as you are aware that your car or truck is over-heating, pull to the side of the road and come to a complete stop, immediately. If you are on the interstate, try not to panic from all the traffic. Simply flip on your hazard lights and slowing make the progression to the far right lanes and eventually to the shoulder of the road.
Always Let the Engine Cool Completely
One mistake people often make is lifting their hoods and checking their radiator fluid levels. Attempting this task can result in painful burns from high pressured hot water and steam. It is important to allow the vehicle to cool completely before inspecting any fluid levels and removing any caps.
While you are waiting for the vehicle to cool off, you have a few options. At this point, you can either decide to call for help, whether that means a friend, family member, or professional service; or you can allow the car to cool and remedy the issue yourself if you happen to have the proper supplies to fix an overheating engine. For easy fixes, these supplies consist of radiator fluid, anti-freeze, coolant, and water. If you choose to repair the engine on your own, start by checking the coolant levels. Running out of coolant is one of the most common catalysts behind overheating engines.
Professional Auto Repair Service
If coolant is not the issue, then it is most likely a more extensive repair. This type of situation calls for a professional automotive mechanic. If adding more coolant to your vehicle doesn’t solve the overheating issue, then it is strongly advised to call a local Indianapolis auto repair shop. These shops typically offer services that will tow your vehicle to their lot so they can take a look at the engine. They retain proper equipment and tools to diagnose an engine problem further than coolant issues.