The sound of an overheated car is enough to make anyone want to take action. The problem with this, though? It's not always that easy! But before you begin to panic, take a deep breath and relax. Here's everything you need to know about what could be wrong with your car and what you should do if it starts to overheat.
So don't worry – Mercedes Benz of South Orlando, serving Oviedo, FL, we'll help you calmly deal with this situation.
How to Remedy an Overheated Car
First and foremost, it's important to know how to remedy an overheated car. After all, you don't want your engine to seize up! Following are the many ways you could combat automobile overheating.
Step # 1: Turn Off the Air Conditioner
If you're on the road and your car starts to overheat, you should turn off the air conditioning. It may seem counterintuitive, but running the AC strains the engine, worsening overheating.
Step # 2: Pull Over and Open the Hood
You should turn off the engine as soon as possible and stop driving. The car will only overheat faster if you do but don't try to go any further. Once the engine is off, pop open the hood to allow heat to escape. If you have a coolant reservoir, open it as well.
Step # 3: Turn on the Heat
Yes, you read that correctly. The next step is turning on your heater, increasing airflow, and reducing the temperature in a hurry. Turning on the heater may seem like it will make things worse, but the heat will help draw heat away from the engine.
Step # 4: Check the Coolant Level
Maybe you're always overheating because your coolant level has been low all along! Add more to bring it up to the fill line if it looks low. Be sure to use the proper coolant for your vehicle; you can find this information in your owner's manual or online.
Step # 5: Allow the Car to Cool Down Completely
The key to getting back on the road after an overheated engine is simple - wait. For your car's cooling system to have enough time to manage its temperatures, allow it 30 minutes of rest before turning off and opening up once more!
Step # 6: Get Your Car to a Mechanic
If your car has overheated more than once or if you notice any strange smells or sounds, it's best to take it to a mechanic. There could be an issue with your cooling system that needs to be fixed.
Overheating is no fun, but following these steps can help prevent it.
Conclusion:
So, what do you do if your car overheats? We've just gone over a few simple steps that should help get you back on the road. But if you find that your car continues to overheat or that the problem is more serious, it might be best to schedule service with our manufacturer-approved auto experts here at Mercedes Benz of South Orlando!
We can take a look at the issue and help get you back on track in no time. Stay smart and stay safe out there!
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