MOTORING NEWS - Our summers seem to keep getting hotter and temperatures over 30 degrees are common in the holiday season.
With temperatures this high, it's inevitable that we should guard against cars overheating.
"While it is rare for modern vehicles to overheat in hot weather, the two most common reasons for overheating are low water and coolant levels in the radiator or a leak in the cooling system," says Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (Miwa), a constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
It's important to check the coolant levels regularly. "If you aren't sure where to look for the reservoir, consult the owner's manual. If the level is normal, there might just be a malfunctioning temperature gauge. However, if it's low or empty there's probably a coolant leak. In that case we strongly suggest calling roadside assistance. But if you have to keep driving, make sure the engine is cool, protect your hand with a glove or a rag, then twist off the radiator cap. Refill both the radiator and the reservoir, using coolant or, if necessary, water. This should bring the temperature down once you're underway, but stay vigilant as you most probably have a serious leak somewhere." If the temperature starts rising again, pull over and repeat the process.
Note that this is by no means a long-term solution. "Get to an accredited Miwa workshop as soon as possible for professional help," Ranft says.
What to do
The first sign that a car is overheating will be your dashboard temperature indicator starting to rise or a malfunction indicator coming on. "The first thing to do is to shut off the air conditioner and open the windows. This will help lessen the load on the engine and help it cool off. Although it sounds odd, turning on the heater will also help, as this draws excess heat from the engine."
Ranft says brake drag also increases the load on the engine, making it heat up. "If you are in traffic, rather crawl along slowly on little more than idle, than move up and brake repeatedly. Or move up only when the gap between you and the vehicle in front of you gets too large," he advises.
The most serious indication that a car has already overheated is when the needle hits the red zone or steam comes from the engine. In this case, immediately find a safe place to stop, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Open the hood very carefully, as it will be extremely hot underneath. Wait for at least half an hour for the engine to cool off. Only then will it be safe to check the coolant level.
To prevent overheating, he advises regularly checking that the car has fresh coolant in its radiator, not just water. Also have the radiator checked for corrosion. Note that even a well-tuned car may start to sizzle in hot conditions, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or when climbing a steep incline. However, the best prevention is regular car maintenance. "Make sure you get a thorough car check done regularly by an accredited Miwa workshop," concludes Ranft.
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