Why Is My Car Overheating? 11 Tips to Avoid It
When your car overheats, it means something is wrong with the engine’s cooling system. It also means your engine is too hot and it can get damaged.
An overheating car is a threat to your safety. The normal temperature of most car engines is about 190 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your car’s temperature gauge goes above this range, it means your engine is too hot and you need to check it. Many reasons can cause overheating.
These reasons include problems with the cooling system and the poor performance of your car’s battery. If you live in a hot and humid city like Florida, it means the hot sun can also cause your car to overheat.
That is why it’s essential to understand how Florida Toyota dealers can assist you in such situations. Read on to find out why your car is overheating and how you can avoid it.
- Low Coolant
A car’s cooling system needs enough coolant to keep your car’s engine operating at normal temperature. If the coolant is too low, the engine will overheat.
In some cases, the coolant may be contaminated. This means you need to replace it, and Tampa Toyota car dealers can do a coolant flush for you.
The service center will remove the old coolant with dirt and debris and replace it with a new coolant. Working with a team of world-class professionals who operate throughout the week will ensure your engine runs optimally.
- Damaged Thermostat
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A thermostat makes sure your car’s temperature is controlled correctly. Your car reaches the right temperature faster.
It also allows the coolant to flow and cool your engine when it starts to get too hot. If your thermostat is not working, it will not allow the coolant to flow. This means your car will overheat.
- Leaking Hoses
When hoses are damaged, the coolant may leak, causing your car’s engine to overheat. A hose is what a coolant uses to reach the engine. If a hose is cracked, the coolant will leak and not cool the engine as required.
- Damaged Pump
A water pump in your car makes sure the coolant reaches the engine. The pump also absorbs heat. So, when the pump is damaged, it can be one of the factors why the car is overheating.
- Radiator Problems
Problems with the radiator include leaks, blockages, and issues with the fan. All these problems can make your car overheat. This is because the radiator is where the coolant is cooled.
11 Tips to Avoid Overheating
The first thing you should do if your car overheats while driving is to stop in a safe area and check it out. After checking the engine, reach out to the Toyota car dealership for help.
It is also essential to keep your engine from getting too hot. Consider these 11 tips that will help keep your car from overheating.
- Service Centers
If you plan to drive your car long-distance, it is good to take it for servicing before the trip. Service your car regularly to ensure the engine is working properly.
Your mechanic at Tampa Toyota dealer will ensure all the liquids your car needs are at the right level. If there is a need to replace the liquids or repair any damaged parts, the professionals will do it. This ensures your car is in good shape and will not overheat.
- Park Under a Shade
Avoid parking under direct sunlight. Parking under a shade helps to keep your car cool as this protects the engine of your vehicle.
It also saves you the time and money you may need to repair a damaged engine caused by high temperatures. Parking under a shade ensures the only time you visit a Florida Toyota dealership is when you need regular car maintenance.
- Open Your Car Windows Slightly
Before stepping out of your car, make sure the windows are slightly open. This allows fresh cool air to come in and hot air to leave the vehicle.
When the windows are closed, hot air is trapped in the car. The hot air heats up your car and damages the engine.
Slightly opening the windows can save your car from damage. Make sure the opening is small so that no one can reach through.
- Watch the Temperature Gauge
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The temperature gauge of your car should always be pointing at normal. This is the middle position.
If you are driving and the indicator moves towards hot, your car is heating up. You should stop in a safe area and check your engine before calling a professional from Toyota dealership Tampa Florida.
Do not open the hood immediately. Stop and wait at least 30 minutes for it to cool down.
- Tint Car Windows
Look for professionals like Toyota dealers Florida to tint your windows. This helps to avoid damages from direct sunlight.
You can also choose to apply window film for protection. Such measures help to protect your car’s engine.
- Use Window Shades
It may not always be possible to find a shaded area to park your car. Ensure you have window shades in your car.
If you can not find a shaded spot to park, use the window shades. They prevent the sun rays from heating up and damaging the car.
- Run the Heat and Cool the Engine
One of the ways you can cool your engine is to turn on the heat. This helps to remove hot air from the engine and cool it.
This is a good measure to consider if your engine starts heating up in the middle of a long drive. It helps to stop further overheating.
The heat inside the car may be uncomfortable, especially if you are driving in the hot Florida climate. Running the heat is a temporary uncomfortable measure that will help save the engine. After safely pulling over, you can open the hood and reach out to Toyota dealership Tampa FL.
- Increase Coolant Level
During hot months in Florida and other cities, make sure you check the coolant level before driving your car. Check the indicator lines in the reservoir.
If the coolant level is low, add the required amount. Carry some coolant in your car in case you need it.
- Radiator Flush
You may need to drain your old coolant and replace it with a new one. If it is dirty, Toyota dealership Clearwater FL can replace it.
Reach out to professionals and check the manufacturer’s manual for instructions.
- Consider Battery Replacement
If your battery has been working for a more extended period, it might not be effective. This means it does not provide enough power. It also means your car has to work harder.
This can cause overheating. Consider replacing your battery if you have used it for more than 3 years.
- Avoid Overusing the Air Conditioner
During hot days avoid overusing your air conditioner. This is because air conditioning produces more heat around your engine.
You protect the engine from overheating when you do not overuse your A/C.
Key Takeaway
Cars overheat for various reasons. It is essential to know why your car is overheating and ways you can prevent it. An overheating vehicle means there is a problem in the engine area.
PThe first step is to remain calm and look for a safe spot to park if you are driving. Wait for 30 minutes and allow the car to cool before you can open the hood. Check to find the problem. The next step is to call a Toyota car dealership for professional servicing.