What Does it Mean if My Vehicle Overheats?

When a vehicle overheats, it simply means that the temperature of the engine is higher than it is supposed to be.  Driving under those circumstances for any extended period of time can do significant damage to expensive components of your vehicle, including the engine.  Every vehicle has some type of temperature gauge on the dashboard. Usually they are marked with a C for cold on one side and an H for hot on the other.  Periodically observe where your vehicle’s gauge is during normal operation.  Then, if you see that the needle is higher than normal or actually moving toward the hot portion of the gauge, you know something is causing your vehicle to overheat. If overheating is ignored, your vehicle will actually boil over.  If a boil over is occurring or eminent, a warning light and/or audible signal will sound and the needle of the temperature gauge will register completely on the hot side of the gauge. You may observe steam or smoke coming from under your hood. This may be accompanied by a burning scent.  

Early Warning Signs of Overheating and What to do if Overheating Occurs

In addition to the obvious changes in the temperature gauge, several other things usually indicate you are at risk for overheating.  Water and the chemicals in vehicle coolants are necessary to manage engine heat.  Coolant leaks could deplete the coolant supply and result in overheating. In winter months, a coolant leak or reduced coolant level may result in the heater not generating heat. If you observe any sort of puddle under your vehicle after it has been parked, you should have your mechanic investigate what may be leaking. The water and coolant levels in your radiator must be checked periodically.  Have one of our technicians add these items when they are low or out of proportion.  At times these fluids may need to be completely flushed from the system and the system started over with all new coolant.  

When Does Overheating Usually Occur

For obvious reasons, overheating almost always happens in warm weather. If you suspect that your vehicle is overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioner and open the windows.  As soon as possible, look for a safe and convenient place to pull over.  If shutting down the air conditioner is not having an impact on the temperature gauge, you may need to actually run the heater to draw heat off the engine and push it back to the passenger compartment. Once you are able to pull over, allow the vehicle to cool down before checking under the hood.  Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap while the vehicle is hot.  If possible, communicate with one of our mechanics for further instructions. 

Can a Poor Thermostat Cause Overheating

The first and easiest thing to check when a vehicle overheats is the coolant level, but it isn’t the only thing that impacts temperature. Your vehicle’s thermostat plays a crucial role in keeping the passenger compartment comfortable and in keeping the vehicle from overheating.  If you observe any overheating or under heating issues, you may have a thermostat that needs to be replaced or at least repaired on your vehicle. Repeated temperature fluctuations as well as decreased engine performance may be early signs that the thermostat is not functioning properly. 

Fluid Checks for All Vehicles

An important part of general vehicle maintenance includes checking the fluids of your car to prevent overheating or damage.  Most people do not know how to test the car fluids or where the reservoirs are located under the hood of their car.  The most common fluid checks are transmission, brake fluid, engine oil, coolants and windshield washer fluid.  While this can be confusing if you have never accessed these fluids before, you can refer to the user manual for your car if necessary.  These common instructions will help you learn how to simply check vital car fluids for top performance of your vehicle, but you may seek help the first time that you attempt these checks.

Transmission Fluid Checks

Depending on the engine of your manual or automatic transmission, you will be looking for a dipstick that typically has a white or yellow cap or a small ring that you can pull upwards from the long tube.  Make sure your car is in park and the engine should be running to warm the engine.  Take your fingers and touch the liquid from the dipstick and the lubricant should be almost clear and smooth to the touch.  If there is a burnt smell or if the fluid feels grainy, you will need to have the fluid checked out or flushed.  Next, wipe off the dipstick and re-enter it into the tube to test the fluid again.  If you pull it out and the fluid does not reach the “full” line, then you need to add more transmission fluid.

Engine Oil Fluid Checks

To check the oil in your car, you need to warm up with car first and let it run for a bit.  After a few minutes, you need to let the car sit to let the oil settle.  You will have to find the dipstick which is normally labeled “Engine” or “Motor Oil.”  Wipe the dipstick once you remove it, put the dipstick back in its original place and remove it again to see if it is filled to the “full” mark.  You may have to check the oil two or three times, but you can add oil and start the car for a few minutes.  You can start the process all over again once the new oil is added for proper levels, but you must be very cautious as to not overfill.

Coolants and Radiator Fluid Checks

This operation tests the coolant levels in your car, so you will have to locate the radiator cap to check the fluid level.  The car must be completely cool before you open it as a running engine would spray out burning water and can potentially injure you.  Use a cloth or gloves to remove the cap as a precaution and have a towel close by incase anything comes out of the container.  You should be able to look into the container and see fluid with your eyes.  If you cannot visually see the fluid, then you must fill the container with more coolant depending on the brand or your cars need.  Most cars require a 50/50 mixture, that is, 50% coolant and 50% water.

How to Take Care of Your Car Battery in the Winter

The battery in your car is the main power source for the ignition system and starter so that you can crank it up. In the winter months, the cold weather can wreak havoc on your battery if it has not been properly maintained. Since the battery loses up to one-third of its power potential when the temperature dips below the freezing mark, you should perform a check to be sure that when you go out to start your car, you will not be greeted with silence when you turn the key.

The Construction and Chemistry of the Battery

A car battery is a rechargeable battery that supplies power to the ignition system, starter, and lights. Most of them are lead-acid, which are comprised of alternating plates of lead and lead dioxide that is submerged in a sulfuric acid-water solution. Electricity is produced by the electrons that are emitted from the chemical reaction between the plates and the solution. The chemical reaction changes the surface of the plates from lead to lead sulfate as the battery discharges, and the process reverses itself when the battery is recharged. Some batteries are closed, which means that you cannot open the top to check the fluid level. Other batteries can be opened to replenish the water in the cells. 

The Maintenance of the Battery

You should be aware of the age of your battery. Most batteries last up to 48 months, so if your battery is close to that age, you should consider replacing it. The cold weather will place extra stress on the battery, and an older battery will not be able to tolerate the additional stress placed on it. Before you begin any work on your car and battery, make sure you have proper protection for your hands, eyes, and clothing. Take a visual inspection of the battery. Is the case firmly seated and secured in the bracket? Are the terminals free from corrosion and dirt? Are the cables firmly attached? Make certain that you have the terminals cleaned by a professional if you notice any corrosion on them. Clean off the case with a baking soda and water solution and a brush, and then rinse the surface. Cleaning away the dirt will keep the battery from prematurely discharging. 

The Failure of the Battery

A battery that is nearing the end of its service life should not be trusted to perform during the cold months. If you have an old battery, have it changed before the temperature drops. If the cold weather catches you by surprise and you encounter that awful silence of a dead battery, you can recharge it if the recharge system in the car is not functioning. You can purchase a battery charger that plugs into an outlet and the clamps are attached to the positive and negative terminals on the top of the battery. The instructions will tell you how to read the dials to make sure that you do not undercharge or overcharge. You can also jump-start your car, by connecting the dead battery to the battery in another car with jumper cables. Do not charge a battery if it is frozen or if the sides are bowed out, or it could explode.   

Are Snow Tires Really Necessary?

Certain areas of the country are covered in snow during the winter. Many people use the time before the severe weather to winterize their cars. They are checking fluid levels, changing engine oil, and installing snow tires. Snow tires are meant to provide more secure traction between the car and the road. With the option of all-season tires on the market, are snow tires necessary? When searching for the right tire, you should make sure that you consult your car manual so that you will get the right size for your car. You can also get recommendations from your mechanic or ASE master technician. 

The Basics of the Snow Tire

Snow tires are made from a higher quality, sturdier rubber and a more pronounced tread. The treads may be deeper or the tire may have hard studs on the tread to increase grip. The rubber is usually softer which allows it to form more to the road and increase traction. They get their designation from the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Snow tires must adhere to specific criteria to be considered snow tires. At least one-fourth of the tire surface must be grooved as this increases traction and have specific dimensions that are stringently enforced. It must also pass traction testing in order to be designated as snow tires. If you install snow tires as part of your winter safety preparation, you should install them for all four tires. 

The Advantages of the Snow Tire

These tires offer superior traction over all-season tires. Its softer, special rubber does not lose flexibility in freezing temperatures. In areas that experience temperature drops below the freezing mark, this feature is important because the tire needs to be able to respond to the peculiar winter conditions. The deeper tread design means that the tires will be able to grip the road, even when the surface is covered in ice, snow, slush, and rain. The car will be less likely to hydroplane and possibly cause an accident. Each tread in the tire is designed in a manner that allows it remain flexible for better response. Snow tires with nubs, or studs built into the tread that allows the tread to flex open and close in a manner that squeegees water from beneath the tires while driving. 

The Disadvantages of the Snow Tire

Because these tires are made of a softer rubber, driving them on dry pavement produces a mushy feel. These tires do not grip dry pavement as well as it does wet pavement; therefore, it is unwise to use them year-round. When the weather warms, the tires will warm and the rubber will become overly soft. This softening will create a dangerous driving situation, especially when the weather cools again. If you use low-profile tires, you may find it difficult to find snow tires to fit your car. As the low-profile trend advances, the search will become easier. Snow tires can also give some drivers the false sense of security and may drive a little too fast for conditions. Too-rapid acceleration or speeding on slippery surfaces can compromise your ability to steer or stop your car. If you choose to use snow tires during the winter, make sure that you monitor and maintain the right tire pressure and have a wheel alignment done each winter season.