Overheated

Engines can get hot. Really hot. But you already knew that. What you may not know is what to do when that needle ticks into the red. It could mean a number of things and Audra Fordin is here to run down the list on MotorWeek’s “Your Drive.”

AUDRA FORDIN: Imagine this: You’re cruising along in your old reliable ride, wind in your hair, tunes are blasting, and suddenly, your dashboard lights up. Your temperature gauge is climbing faster than a squirrel up a tree, and that’s your cue your engine might be feeling the heat.

When your car starts steaming like a mad scientist’s kettle, you’ve got to act fast! First things first, don’t panic! Find a safe spot to pull over, away from traffic. We’re talking shady spots or a breezy shoulder, somewhere your car can catch a break. Let your car cool down before you even think about touching anything under the hood. Safety first, folks!

Once it’s safe, pop the hood and take a peek at the coolant level in the overflow tank. Only open the radiator cap when the engine’s cooled down, to avoid an engine bay geyser. If the coolant is low, add coolant or distilled water. Plain water will work too, but, well, you have to know that will dilute the remaining coolant and then lower the boiling point in your cooling system. Don’t be shy about calling for backup! Roadside assistance plans are made for times just like this, so don’t hesitate to give ’em a ring.

Now, here’s the good part. Let’s talk about avoiding this kind of hot mess altogether.

Regular maintenance checks are your best friend. Keep an eye on coolant levels, hoses, and belts. They’re like your car’s own personal lifeline. In most cars–well, the drive belt, it spins your water pump, and big radiator hoses, well, they circulate coolant through the engine and the radiator. Check your drive belts for signs of wear, including cracks and fraying, or a shiny appearance called “glazing.” High-pitched squealing can indicate belt slippage. Of course, to check your owner’s manual for replacement intervals, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. As for radiator hoses, have them checked around 60,000 miles.

Squeeze them gently to check for any bulges or soft spots. Like belts, check for cracks and splitting. Even small frays can give way to big problems. If your coolant bottle constantly needs topping off, well, that’s a telltale sign of leaking fluid or some other problem. If you’re not sure what’s going on, your trusted mechanic can quickly determine what, if anything, is ready to be replaced.

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to helping your car beat the heat. If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us right here at MotorWeek!