Lots of drivers know that feeling of panic that sets in when you see your car’s temperature gauge start to climb. As you watch that arrow tick into the red, you might notice that telltale burning smell and start to see smoke rising from your hood. This series of events can be alarming, especially if you’re driving on a busy road or highway. The aftermath of an overheated engine can be just as bad and may leave you with an exorbitant bill for auto repair in Madison, TN or a car with a completely destroyed engine. It’s important that you know what causes engine overheating and what you should do when your engine starts to overheat so that you can stay safe and avoid major vehicle damage.
Dealing with an overheated engine on the road
When your engine starts to overheat while you’re driving, you should respond immediately. Pull over as soon as you can safely do so. If you’re on a road, try pulling over into a parking lot or driveway. On the highway, pull over onto the shoulder and try to get as far off of the road as possible. Once you’re safely off the road, turn off your engine, put your hazards on and call for help. If you have AAA or another roadside assistance service, call for a tow. Otherwise, get help from a local tow company and find a shop to provide you with auto repair in Madison, TN.
Here are some common causes of overheating and how to prevent it from happening:
- Water pump leaks: Coolant collects all kinds of particles and debris as it flows through your system. In the short term, this usually doesn’t cause too much of a problem, but the accumulation of debris in your coolant over time can lead to major issues. You can prevent dirty coolant from causing overheating by making sure you change it out on a regular basis.
- Radiator obstructions: Debris built up on your radiator can cause a major air obstruction and may prevent your radiator from effectively dissipating heat from your engine. It’s important to keep your radiator clear of debris so that it can run efficiently.
- Thermostat issues: Your thermostat measures the temperature of your coolant and signals your vehicle to circulate your coolant through your radiator to release heat when the coolant gets too hot. When the thermostat isn’t working, it won’t stop overheated coolant from circulating through your engine. A professional will be able to help you determine whether a faulty thermostat may be to blame for your overheating problems.
If you’re dealing with an overheated engine, bring your car to Madison Muffler & Auto Repair for quality auto repair in Madison, TN. We know that rising temperatures can be troublesome for engines, which is why we are here to make sure that your car is prepared to handle normal summer driving conditions. We can provide you with a comprehensive inspection to identify issues so that we can come up with an effective repair plan. We specialize in a wide range of automotive repairs, and our technicians are fully licensed and certified to provide you with professional services that will keep your car running its best for years to come. Make an appointment today by giving us a call.