How to Stop Your Engine From Overheating This Summer

Your vehicle's engine naturally runs very hot when your car is operating. From the moment you start your engine, it starts to heat up as it tries to reach its ideal operating temperature. Because of all the parts working to get your car moving, your engine can surpass its recommended operating temperature. This is quite normal, which is why your car is equipped with a cooling system and various components that will help keep temperatures reasonable under the hood. However, when there is an issue within the cooling system, your vehicle can be susceptible to overheating. If this is the case, Synthetic Oil Inc in National City can help you keep your engine safe from overheating with these tips.

Steps to Follow When Your Engine is Overheating

It is generally quite easy to recognize when your engine is close to overheating. Your vehicle's dashboard has a temperature gauge that informs you of the conditions under the hood. When you start your car, the needle in the temperature gauge is likely all the way on the left. As your car heats up, the needle will move towards the center. If the needle starts to pass the center and get closer to the right, this may mean trouble for your engine. If your coolant indicator lights up in your dashboard, avoid driving as this can also cause your engine to overheat. If either of these is an issue while you're on the road, follow these steps to keep your engine protected.

Turn Off Your Engine

No matter where you're headed, you will need to pull over and turn off your engine. Overheating can cause serious damage to your engine that can be hard to repair and quite expensive to take care of. Before smoke starts seeping out from under the hood, safely make your way to a safe stopping point and turn off your engine.

Let Your Engine Cool Off

Once you've safely pulled over and turned off your engine, prop open your hood. Be careful when opening your hood since it might be quite hot. Leave it open for at least five minutes to allow the hot air to escape and the parts to cool off. While it's important for you to keep an eye on your coolant this summer, another fluid you should pay attention to is your motor oil. To keep your engine protected this summer, give your vehicle a full synthetic oil change in National City. Contact Synthetic Oil Inc. for help finding the best AMSOIL synthetic oil and oil filters for all of your engines. Give us a call at (800) 653-0323 and be sure to ask about our synthetic oil deals and specials.

Check Your Coolant Level

Only once everything has cooled down and is no longer hot to the touch, check on your coolant. Look for your coolant reservoir and be sure the cap is cool before attempting to remove it. Unscrewing the cap when the parts are still hot can cause boiling liquid and hot steam to escape, causing severe burns. Once it's safe to do so, open the cap and check your level of coolant. If it's running low, you will need to add more coolant. If you don't have any coolant on hand, water can take care of the job in an emergency.

Get Your Car Serviced

It's not normal for vehicles to overheat, meaning there is an issue with your car. Because the cooling system is made up of various parts, your car will need to be checked out in order to find the issue. Some of the most common causes of overheating include leaks in the hoses, malfunctioning fans, a broken water pump, and even using the wrong coolant. If your coolant keeps running low, this is a clear indicator of a leak. Most other issues are harder to find and will usually require professional help. Whatever the issue is, have it fixed right away to avoid damaging your engine.

Be Prepared for the Future

After getting your car fixed, it's a good idea to stay prepared for the future. Buy an extra bottle of coolant and keep it in your trunk just in case you are ever running low on coolant while on the road. Be sure to always keep an eye on your temperature gauge while driving so you can be aware of any developing issues before it's too late.

Synthetic Oil Change in National City

Whether you need a synthetic oil change for your motorcycle or your car, Synthetic Oil Inc in National City can help you find the right products. Contact us at (800) 653-0323 to learn more about our synthetic oil deals and specials or to place your order today!