How to Avoid Overheating Your Engine

Blog Apr 29th, 2022

As temperatures start to rise and summer draws closer, it’s good for drivers to remember that the warm weather also comes with an increased risk of overheating your vehicle’s engine. Looking for tips and tricks to avoid overheating your engine? Below, we’ve highlighted all the ways drivers can keep their vehicles from overheating.

Check Your Coolant Levels

The most effective way for drivers to ensure their vehicle doesn’t overheat during the hot summer months is to make sure their vehicle has enough coolant. Drivers can check their vehicle’s coolant level by opening the hood and locating the coolant reservoir. If the engine coolant is low, add more until it reaches the level shown on the reservoir’s indicator lines.

Get Your Radiator Flushed

Over time, engine coolant becomes dirty and loses its effectiveness. About every 64,000 kilometres, drivers should get their radiator’s coolant flushed and replaced with new coolant. In addition to replacing the old coolant with a new coolant, this process will also flush out any debris or external contaminants that have made their way into the radiator.

Replace Old Batteries

Old car batteries can result in vehicles overheating. Because older batteries struggle to provide the vehicle with adequate power, the powertrain needs to work harder to make up for it. This extra stress on the engine can result in it overheating. Because of this, it’s often recommended that drivers replace their vehicle’s battery after three years.

What Should Drivers Do If Their Car Overheats?

Unfortunately, even when following best practices, the possibility of an overheated engine is always present. In the event you find yourself driving a vehicle when it overheats, there are several steps to keep in mind. Drivers should pull over and turn the engine off as soon as possible, allowing it to cool off. To help the heat escape, drivers should open the hood of their cars. From there, drivers can either attempt to start the vehicle again (assuming the temperature gauge is within the normal range) or call for roadside assistance.

Drivers located in or near the Keswick, Ontario area who need to take their vehicle in for service should schedule an appointment with the team at S&B Keswick Motors Limited. Have any questions regarding vehicle service or maintenance? Our service team can be contacted by calling (844) 510 – 1513 and will be more than happy to discuss your service-related questions or inquiries.