What are the signs that your car is overheating?
- Warning from the temperature gauge
- Steam is coming out from the engine
- The car struggles to accelerate
- Strange noises from the engine
Most cars run on an internal combustion engine. This engine gets extremely hot and requires exhaust and a coolant to manage the temperature and prevent it from overheating. If you are a driver or a passenger it is important to know the signs of car overheating to be prepared for this emergency. To help you, we listed them down below. Read on!
Warning from The Temperature Gauge
Cars will have a temperature gauge to inform you whether your engine is running cold, normal, or hot. If you see that it’s in red, then that means that your car is overheating. You should be alert and observe for other signs to confirm this issue immediately. If you don’t find other warning signs, this may happen due to a broken thermostat. You must replace it immediately.
Steam Is Coming Out from The Engine
The most obvious sign of car overheating is when you see steam coming from the hood. This comes from the car’s coolant, which became too hot that it started boiling.
If you don’t know what a coolant is, it keeps your engine running at the optimum temperature. A car’s engine can get extremely hot when it runs. Some of this heat exits through the exhaust, but some remains on the engine. Without something to keep it cool, it can malfunction or even melt. A working coolant will protect your engine from overheating.
A coolant will not function well either because it’s leaking, you used the wrong type to refill it, you have a malfunctioning radiator, or you have damaged water pumps.
The Car Engine Struggles to Accelerate
When you experience trouble accelerating your car, this may be an indication of a car overheating. Inside the engine, pistons will move up and down the cylinders which powers up your car. Due to extreme heat, the cylinders will get deformed and the pistons will not be able to move freely. This may be one of the causes when you hear thumping and scratching noises in your car.
The reduced power will make it hard for you to drive at your preferred speeds. In the worst-case scenario, your engine will stop running.
Strange Noises from The Engine
If you’re used to driving you probably know the usual sounds that a car will make. If you hear uncommon sounds, it may be a sign of car problems, and one of them is overheating. This may happen because the oil that lubricates your engines are thinning out because of the heat. This may cause strange sounds when the parts get in contact with one another.
Key Takeaway
Whether you are a driver or a passenger, it is important to know the signs of car overheating. This will help you to know what to do next and take action immediately in emergencies. If you notice these signs the driver should pull over to the side of the road, wait for the engine to cool, and call a mechanic for help.
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