Can An Overheating Car Be Fixed?

The number one rule for an overheating car is to respond quickly. The sooner you address the cause of a hot engine and the less you drive until it’s fixed, the better. But, how do you know your engine is overheating, and how can you fix the problem? We’re revealing all in this quick guide.

How far can you drive an overheating car?

If your car is getting hot while you’re on a road trip, or worse, en-route to an important appointment, we understand you might want to power through until you reach your destination. Overheating is an emergency situation and shouldn’t be ignored. You should stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so.

What To Do If Your Car Engine Overheats?

If your engine temperature is in the red zone, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, and switch off your engine. To keep yourself safe, avoid opening the bonnet right away. Wait for at least 30 minutes (although one to two hours is preferable), as this will give your engine time to cool down. Ring for assistance from your breakdown cover if required, and book in with your car mechanic.

Can an engine survive overheating?

Yes, as long as you respond quickly and don’t let your car go into full meltdown mode, it should be repairable. Too much heat can result in further complications, such as cracks leading to significant oil leaks or loss of performance. From cracked pistons to melted cables and damage to the fuel system, if your car has overheated, make sure to get it checked by a professional mechanic. They will be able to check for any damage, giving you peace of mind.

How do you know if your car is overheating?

Find out what happens when a car overheats below.

Steam:

If you smell burning or see steam coming from the bonnet, which can look like smoke, this is a sure-fire sign something is wrong.

Temperature Gauge:

If your temperature gauge is in the red, your engine is overheating.

Warning Light:

Dashboard warning lights help alert you when something is wrong and needs instant attention. If you see the engine temperature light appear in red, you should seek out a mechanic as soon as possible.

Bonnet Feels Hot:

It’s normal for your car to become hot after driving. However, if your hand touches the bonnet and you feel a burning sensation, it could be a sign your engine is overheating.

Leaking Coolant:

Something as simple as low coolant levels could cause your engine to have a meltdown. If you notice that your car is getting through coolant quite quickly (or there’s a strong, sweet smell when you open the car bonnet), you may have a leak. Your local mechanic can check this.

Ticking Sound:

A lack of lubrication can cause the moving engine parts to run less smoothly and increase friction. A ticking sound could be a sign that oil levels are low.

Loss Of Power:

Loss of power can also occur, which you may notice when trying to accelerate or start the car.

What Are The Main Causes Of Overheating Engines?

Low coolant levels due to leaks, malfunctioning radiator fans, faulty water pump and thermostat failures are common culprits when it comes to overheating engines. Whenever the cooling system experiences a fault, the heat struggles to escape the engine compartment.

How Do You Prevent An Overheating Engine?

By regularly checking your engine oil levels, you may be able to detect if there’s a leak before a problem occurs. For instance, if you recently topped up the oil, but the levels have depleted quicker than usual, this could suggest you have a leak.

Make sure to change your coolant in line with manufacturer guidelines. It’s typically recommended to change this every two years. You can do this yourself, but if you don’t know how or would rather not, your local mechanic can drain and refill for you.

You won’t always be able to foresee an overheating problem. As soon as you see the telltale signs, book your car in with your mechanic. Don’t neglect to do your regular car checks, especially before longer journeys, and take your car for service checks—getting your radiator checked for debris build-up will also contribute to a healthy cooling system.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix An Overheating Car?

The earlier the problem is detected and the sooner you stop driving an overheating car, the better for your diagnostics and repair bill! If your car has experienced a loss of power, this suggests that your engine reached a higher temperature and may require more repair work, such as a new cylinder head and head gasket.

Got a problem with your engine? Contact the team at Vital Vehicle Care today. We’re a trusted car mechanic in Peterborough.