5 Steps For Dealing With An Overheating Car

During summertime, most car overheating problems occur. With the hot weather and increased use of air conditioning, it's no wonder that our cars' engines sometimes have trouble keeping up. If your car overheats, don't panic! You can take five steps to help cool it down and prevent further damage. Supreme Ford of Slidell will walk you through each one of them.

Step One: Pull Over And Turn Off The Engine As Soon As Possible

If your car's temperature gauge is in the red zone or you see steam coming from under the hood, it's time to pull over. Turn off the engine and pop open the hood to allow heat to escape. Do not remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled completely!

Step Two: Let the Car Cool Down Before Adding Coolant

Adding cold water to a hot engine can cause severe damage, so it's essential to wait until things have cooled down before adding any fluids. Once the engine has cooled, locate the radiator cap and slowly remove it to avoid getting burned. Pour in a 50/50 mix of coolant and water, then close the radiator cap.

Step Three: Check For Leaks

Once you've added coolant to the radiator, keep an eye out for any leaks. A small leak might not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly become a much bigger problem if left unchecked. If you find fluid leaking from your car, it's best to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible.

Step Four: Keep an Eye on the Temperature Gauge

After adding coolant and checking for leaks, it's time to hit the road again. But before you do, be sure to keep an eye on your car's temperature gauge. If it starts to climb into the red zone again, pull over and give it a chance to cool down.

Step Five: Get Your Car Checked Out By a Professional

If your car overheats, even after taking all of the above steps, it's time to take it to a professional. There might be a bigger problem that you're not aware of, and it's best to get it checked out before it leads to even more expensive repairs.

Keep these tips in mind the next time your car starts to overheat, and you just might save yourself the costs of irreversible engine damage!

Ending Note

So if your car starts to feel a little too toasty, take a deep breath and follow these five essential steps. It's necessary to stay calm and remember that you can fix the problem. And if you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to contact Supreme Ford of Slidell, serving Pearl River, LA. We'll be happy to help get your car back on the road—relaxed and comfortable. Get your vehicle regularly serviced at our dealership as prevention is always better than cure.