We’ve all seen the car parked on the side of the road with what looks like smoke coming out of the engine bay — and each time, we’re glad it isn’t us. For many, the thought of a car overheating isn’t something we consider to be a possibility; they’re not supposed to do that! However, the truth is that your car can overheat at any time, and for a number of reasons. Especially during the summer, it’s important that you pay attention to a few key indicators that your car might overheat, and know what to do if it does.

Tachometer Changes

It’s important to routinely check the gauges on your tachometer to make sure everything is in check with your car. While this is a general outline, it can provide a ton of information, such as your engine’s coolant temperature. This gauge is indicative of the relative temperature your car is experiencing and should be closely monitored. If you see it rise into the red zone or a warning light comes on, pull over to the side of the road and shut the car off immediately to let it cool.

Remember: A short but corrected temperature fluctuation is normal, but is certainly worth monitoring after the fact. Consistently high temperatures (above the midpoint of the gauge) can be a cause for concern.

If This Happens To You

If you’re caught with a car that is overheating, there are a few things that might be the cause of it. One, you may not have enough coolant in the car to keep the engine operating at an optimal temperature. Check the coolant levels (carefully!) after the car has cooled off for a bit, and also monitor the ground and path you’ve driven on for any signs of a leak.

Keep an extra jug of coolant in your car for this specific reason, and make sure you can refill it if needed. In a pinch, you can also add a bit of water to the tank as well, but this is only if you plan on making a short trip to the repair shop for a top off or diagnosis.

Of course, an overheating car can point to a number of car issues, so it’s important to make sure that no matter what, you’re bringing it to a shop to have it looked at.

Southport Automotive is Fairfield County’s premier service station for all things Automotive. In business since 1981, we’ve helped get thousands of Connecticut residents back on the road faster, and for longer. To learn more about how we can help your vehicle stay in its best shape, please give us a call at 203-259-3839. For more tips and tricks, make sure to like us on Facebook!