For your car to function efficiently, all its parts, including the automatic transmission sensor, must work properly. In the current world, technology has enhanced sophistication in car cooling systems, where they are equipped with computer-controlled electric fans and numerous heat sensors. As a result, they allow your engine to keep operating safely regardless of the weather conditions. However, this does not mean you are completely out of the danger of your car overheating. What does it mean when smoke or steam starts coming from your engine? What causes a car engine to overheat? What should I do when my car overheats? Here is a comprehensive guide on the possible causes of car overheating and what to do if it does.
Reasons Why Your Car Might Overheat
Likely, if a car has a problem with the engine or its cooling system, it will cause the car to overheat. The temperatures in the combustion chamber could increase to extreme levels, causing the car’s engine to get very hot. Therefore, ensuring your vehicle’s cooling system works adequately to draw away heat from the engine is best. Some of the reasons your car could overheat include the following:
- Inadequate amount of oil
- Problems with the radiator
- A leak normally causes failure in the cooling system
- Worn-out or clogged hoses and belts
- Issues with the water pump
What Should I Do When My Car Overheats?
If you suspect or see that your car is overheating, you must stop immediately, or this could damage your engine permanently. Besides, a smoking or steaming car can be dangerous and cause harm to you and the car itself. Here’s what you need to do immediately after you notice your car engine is overheating.
Stop the car and Pull Over
This is the first precaution when you notice your car is overheating. While you might be on a busy road, get the immediate exit or get a safe place to stop beside the road. Turn off the engine for at least 15 minutes to allow the engine to cool completely. Remember, ignoring the overheating signs and continuing could cause permanent damage to your engine, which is expensive to replace. Check the engine temperature gauge to see if the engine has cooled completely.
Check Your Coolant Levels
One of the reasons your car would overheat is issues with the cooling system. Review the coolant levels to ensure they are at the right level. If they are low, add some coolant to help preserve the automatic transmission switch. Also, check for leaks in the system and have it fixed before you start driving. Always ensure you have some coolant in the car to avoid being unaware.
Run the Heat and Turn Off the Air Conditioning
Sometimes, you might be in a situation where you cannot pull over immediately. You should turn off your air conditioning and run the heat in such cases. While turning on the heat might seem unreasonable, it helps drive heat away from the engine. As a result, you lower the damage overheating could cause to your car engine.
Consult a Mechanic
Even though your car might function normally after allowing it to cool down, you still need to get a mechanic to examine it. This way, the professional can identify and fix any underlying issues before they cause bigger problems.
Also, inform the mechanic if you notice difficulty when using the steering wheel. This way, they can fix the issues using a power steering pump rebuild kit, thus maximum efficiency.
