What To Do And Not To Do When Your Car Overheats?

Summer is notorious for high temperatures across the country. For most people, it’s a sweaty, uncomfortable battle against the heat. And if you’re one of the unlucky individuals with a car that overheats quickly in the summer heat, you know just how unbearable it can be.

Car overheating can affect the performance of your car, so bring it to INFINITI of Orange Park if you face an overheating issue for a quick and reliable solution.

Follow these practical tips on what to do and not to do when your car overheats to avoid becoming a hot mess this summer.

What to Do When Your Car Overheats?

Turn Off the AC

If your car is overheating, you should first turn off the air conditioning. This may seem counterintuitive, but running the AC puts a strain on your car’s engine, making the overheating problem worse.

Turn On the Heater

Next, turn on the heater. Again, this may seem odd, but the heat will help draw some of the heat away from the engine and into the car’s interior.

Open Car Windows

After you’ve turned off the AC and turned on the heater, you’ll want to open your car’s windows to help ventilate the space. If possible, drive with the windows down for a few minutes to let the car cool off.

Shift to a Lower Gear

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you’ll want to shift into a lower gear while driving. This will help reduce the stress the engine has to do and, as a result, will help keep the car from overheating.

What Not To Do When Your Car Overheats?

Do Not Open Car’s Hood

It’s important not to open the car’s hood or turn off the engine while the vehicle is still warm. This can cause steam or other gasses to build up inside the engine, potentially damaging sensitive components and causing permanent damage.

Don’t Add Water to Car’s Radiator.

Never add water or coolant to the car’s radiator while overheating. Doing so will only make matters worse by diluting the coolant in your vehicle, which may lead to engine damage if left untreated. Instead, consult your car’s owner’s manual or your car’s manufacturer for specific instructions on what to do if your car overheats.

So, the next time your car overheats and the dreaded “check engine” light comes on, you know what to do. We hope that by using this information, you can manage the crisis. If you are still unsure of what to do or have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our service department at INFINITI of Orange Park, serving the Nassau Village-Ratliff area.

Our team of experts will be more than happy to answer any questions and help get your car back up and running as soon as possible.

Schedule a service today!