5 Signs Of An Overheating Car’s Engine

Cars are a significant investment, and it’s essential to do everything you can to keep your car in good condition. Identifying when something is wrong with your automobile is an important part of maintaining it.

One of the most common problems that cars experience is overheating. Overheating can cause serious harm to your engine, so you should avoid it at all costs.

Hanania Chevrolet receives a lot of cars that have been damaged by overheating, and in this blog post, we’ll list some of the signs that your vehicle is overheating.

Signs Your Car is Overheating

A hot car isn’t only a cause of concern because it’s uncomfortable to drive in, but it can also be dangerous. Here are some of the ‘hot’ indicators to look out for:

1. Hot Hood:

When the engine is switched on, you may anticipate the hood to produce heat and feel hot. However, if your car’s hood is excessively hot, something might be wrong. If you can’t keep your hand on the hood for more than a few seconds, it’s too hot, and you should get it checked out.

2. Smoke or Steam:

The sight of a billowing steam plume emerging from beneath your hood is an indication that your engine has overheated. As soon as you detect it, pull over and turn off the engine. When the coolant reaches its boiling point, it transforms into steam and creates pressure in the cooling system.

3. Thumping Noises:

Your car’s cooling system has a temperature sensor that monitors the thermostat and regulates the valve allowing the coolant to channel from the radiator. It ensures that your automobile’s engine performs optimally.

If this valve is blocked, the trapped coolant in the engine block will become superheated. When coolant comes into touch with heated coolant, you’ll hear a loud thumping noise coming from near the engine compartment.

4. Smells Hot:

When the engine overheats up to a point where it can begin burning oil, it releases a distinct odor. As the temperature rises, the rubber seals, plastic valves, and fragments of resin that hold the whole engine together may begin to soften, blowing fumes that you would overlook otherwise. The scent of burning rubber is perhaps the most distinctive aspect of it. Most people describe this strange odor as a “hot” smell.

5. Reduced Engine Power:

Overheated engines might not be able to propel your automobile at the rate you require. If you detect a lack of power in your engine, pay close attention to odd odors or sounds that may indicate engine overheating. Be mindful of the temperature gauge on the dashboard and pull over if you feel your engine is straining.

What Should You Do?

You’re probably panicking if you see any of the above signs. That’s normal. But don’t worry; there are a few things you can do to help your overheating car until you can get it to a mechanic.

First, turn off the air conditioner and open the windows. It will help reduce the strain on your engine as it works to cool itself down.

Next, turn on the heater! It might sound counterintuitive, but heat helps draw heat away from the engine.

Finally, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Don’t try to tough it out and drive all the way home or to a nearby town – you risk doing serious damage to your car.

Bottom Line:

If you feel you can’t handle the situation, call a trusted local mechanic or tow truck company to help you out. We can provide a comprehensive series of automobile services, including engine repair and replacement, cooling system diagnostics, and electrical repairs at Hanania Chevrolet, serving Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Please feel free to call us!