My Experience Dealing with Engine Overheating in Summer and How a Mobile Mechanic Saved the Day
Introduction to the Summer Engine Overheating Woes
As summer rolls around, the heat can be brutal not only on us but also on our cars. I remember one particularly sweltering day when I was on my way to an important appointment. I was driving along, minding my own business, when suddenly, I noticed the temperature gauge on my dashboard starting to climb. It was like a slow - moving horror movie, and I knew I was in trouble. The needle crept steadily towards the red zone, and my heart started pounding.
Mobil
595 Northern Blvd, Great Neck, NY 11021, USA
Understanding the Basics of the Cooling System
Before I could figure out what was wrong, I needed to understand how the cooling system in my car worked. The coolant system is like the circulatory system of the car. The engine, during operation, generates an enormous amount of heat. Coolant, which is a mixture of water and antifreeze, is circulated through the engine. It absorbs the heat from the engine and then travels back to the radiator. The radiator has fins, and as air passes over these fins, the heat from the coolant is dissipated into the air. There are several key components in this system, including the radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses, a thermostat, the water pump, and a coolant reservoir.
Pick Your Part - Help Yourself
1232 Blinn Ave, Wilmington, CA 90744, USA
The Radiator
The radiator is probably the most recognizable part of the cooling system. It's usually located at the front of the car, and its job is to cool down the hot coolant that comes from the engine. The fins on the radiator increase the surface area, allowing for more efficient heat transfer. If the radiator is clogged, either with debris or because of a build - up of rust and scale, it won't be able to do its job properly. I once had a situation where a small pebble got stuck in the radiator fins, and it caused a minor blockage. Although it didn't cause the engine to overheat immediately, it was a sign that something was amiss.
The Radiator Hoses
The upper and lower radiator hoses are responsible for transporting the coolant between the engine and the radiator. Over time, these hoses can deteriorate. They can become soft, and in some cases, they may even collapse partially. When this happens, it creates a bottleneck, and the flow of coolant is restricted. I had an incident where one of my lower radiator hoses started to bulge. I didn't notice it at first, but it was a ticking time bomb. Eventually, the hose burst, and coolant started gushing out, which led to my engine overheating.
The Thermostat
The thermostat is like a gatekeeper in the cooling system. It controls the flow of coolant through the engine. When the engine is cold, the thermostat closes, allowing the engine to warm up quickly. Once the engine reaches the optimal operating temperature, the thermostat opens, and coolant starts to circulate through the radiator. If the thermostat gets stuck closed, the coolant can't flow properly, and the engine will overheat. On one occasion, I suspected my thermostat was the culprit when my engine was running hotter than normal. The temperature would fluctuate, and I knew it was a sign that the thermostat might not be working correctly.
The Water Pump
The water pump is what circulates the coolant through the engine and the rest of the cooling system. It's powered by the engine, usually through a belt. If the water pump fails, the coolant won't be able to move, and the engine will overheat in no time. I remember a friend who had a water pump failure. His car started making a strange whining noise, and then the engine overheated. It turned out that the impeller inside the water pump had broken off, and there was no way to circulate the coolant.
The Coolant Reservoir
The coolant reservoir is where the extra coolant is stored. When the coolant in the system heats up and expands, it flows into the reservoir. When the engine cools down, the coolant is sucked back into the system. If the reservoir is empty or if there's a leak in the reservoir, it can affect the coolant level in the system. I once noticed that the coolant level in my reservoir was constantly dropping. I had to keep topping it off, and it was a sign that there was a leak somewhere in the system.
Common Reasons for Engine Overheating in Summer
After learning about the cooling system, I started to investigate the possible reasons why my engine was overheating. There are several common culprits, especially in the summer months.
Low Coolant Level
This is one of the most common reasons for engine overheating. If the coolant level is low, there isn't enough fluid to absorb and transfer the heat away from the engine. There can be many reasons for a low coolant level. It could be due to a leak in the radiator hoses, a faulty water pump gasket, or a damaged bleeder valve. In my case, I found that the radiator hose had a small crack, and coolant was slowly leaking out. I didn't notice it at first because the leak was so small, but over time, it caused the coolant level to drop significantly.
Sticking Thermostat
A sticking thermostat can cause the engine to overheat. As I mentioned earlier, if the thermostat gets stuck closed, the coolant can't flow through the radiator, and the engine will heat up. Sometimes, the thermostat may start to stick intermittently. You might notice that the engine temperature fluctuates, going from normal to slightly higher and then back to normal. This was the case with my car before the overheating incident. I should have paid more attention to those temperature fluctuations.
Damaged Radiator Cap
Most modern cars have pressure - type radiator caps. These caps are designed to increase the boiling point of the coolant by pressurizing the system. If the radiator cap is damaged, the seal may be compromised, and the system won't be able to maintain the proper pressure. This can cause the coolant to boil at a lower temperature, leading to overheating. I once had a radiator cap that had a worn - out seal. I didn't realize it until my engine started overheating. When I replaced the cap, the problem was solved.
Deteriorating Hoses
As I mentioned before, the radiator hoses can deteriorate over time. Heat, vibration, and the chemicals in the coolant can all contribute to the degradation of the hoses. A hose that has become soft or has a bulge is a sign that it's about to fail. When a hose fails, coolant can leak out, and the engine will overheat. I had to replace both my upper and lower radiator hoses after my engine overheated. The hoses were so old and worn that it was a wonder they hadn't failed sooner.
Faulty Temperature Sensor
Although it's less common, a faulty temperature sensor can also cause problems. The temperature sensor sends information about the engine temperature to the car's computer and the dashboard gauge. If the sensor is faulty, it may send incorrect information. You might think the engine is overheating when it's actually not, or vice versa. In my case, I ruled out the temperature sensor as the problem because I could feel the engine was really hot, not just relying on the gauge reading.
What to Do When Your Engine Overheats
When I realized my engine was overheating, I was panicking at first. But then I remembered some tips I had read about. The first thing I did was to turn off the air conditioning. Running the AC puts an extra load on the engine, and in a situation where the engine is already overheating, it's the last thing you want. Next, I turned on the heater to full blast. I know it sounds counterintuitive, especially on a hot summer day, but the heater acts as an additional radiator. It helps to transfer some of the heat from the engine to the inside of the car. It was uncomfortable, but I was more worried about saving my engine.
I then pulled over to a safe place as soon as possible. I turned on my hazard lights to warn other drivers. I knew not to open the hood right away because the engine was extremely hot, and there was a risk of getting burned by steam or hot metal. I waited for about 15 - 20 minutes for the engine to cool down a bit.
After the engine had cooled down slightly, I checked the coolant level. I was lucky that I had a bottle of coolant in my trunk. I added some coolant to the reservoir, following the instructions in my car's owner's manual. However, I knew that just adding coolant might not solve the underlying problem. I needed professional help.
Calling a Mobile Mechanic
I decided to call a mobile mechanic. I didn't want to deal with the hassle of towing my car to a repair shop, especially since I was in a hurry to get to my appointment. I found a mobile mechanic service through an online search. They had good reviews, so I gave them a call.
The mobile mechanic arrived within an hour. He was well - equipped with all the necessary tools. First, he inspected the coolant level and the condition of the hoses. He noticed the small crack in the radiator hose that I had missed earlier. He also checked the radiator cap and the thermostat. He then took my car for a short test drive to see if the problem persisted.
After the test drive, he gave me a detailed report. He explained that the cracked radiator hose was the main cause of the overheating, but he also recommended replacing the thermostat as a precaution since it seemed to be on its way out. He gave me an estimate for the repairs, which I thought was reasonable. He had all the parts in his van, so he was able to start the repairs right away.
The mobile mechanic replaced the radiator hose and the thermostat. He then refilled the coolant system and tested the car again. This time, the temperature gauge stayed within the normal range. I was so relieved. He also gave me some tips on how to prevent engine overheating in the future.
Preventing Engine Overheating in the Future
Based on the mobile mechanic's advice and my own experience, here are some things you can do to prevent engine overheating in the summer.
Regular Maintenance
Make sure to get your car serviced regularly. This includes checking the coolant level, the condition of the hoses, the radiator, and the thermostat. A mechanic can also perform a pressure test on the cooling system to check for leaks. I now make sure to take my car for a service every few months, especially during the summer.
Keep an Eye on the Temperature Gauge
Pay attention to the temperature gauge on your dashboard. If you notice the temperature starting to rise, don't ignore it. Take action immediately. It could be a sign of a minor problem that can be fixed easily if caught early.
Check Coolant Level Regularly
Check the coolant level in your reservoir at least once a week. If the level is low, top it off. But also try to find out why the level is low. It could be a sign of a leak in the system.
Avoid Idling in Traffic for Long Periods
When you're stuck in traffic, especially on a hot day, try to avoid idling for too long. If possible, turn off the engine. Idling for long periods can cause the engine to overheat, especially if the cooling system is already struggling.
Don't Overload Your Car
Carrying too much weight in your car can put an extra strain on the engine, which can lead to overheating. Make sure to remove any unnecessary items from your car, especially if you're going on a long trip.
