![]() If your coolant levels are low and can be topped up, refilling may be enough to fix the problem. But be aware that you should never add cold liquid of any kind to a hot engine, as it can cause significant damage. Make sure you top up the tank with your spare coolant. If there isn’t a leak, it may just be that the coolant has run out. ![]() If the coolant is empty, you may have a leak – if you can, try to check under the car for any puddles of liquid. You’ll need to check your manual for precise instructions here, as it will vary between vehicles. Once the engine is completely cold, check the coolant tank. Do not go near the engine until it has cooled down, to avoid any burns from escaping smoke or steam. You should then try to click the bonnet open from inside the car (if possible), to allow heat to escape more quickly. Once you’ve pulled over, turn off the engine and make sure that all passengers are away from the vehicle and at a safe distance from the road. One of the first things you should do is find somewhere to pull over safely, as soon as you’re able to. Initially, try to keep calm – your car may be overheating, but you need to keep your cool. That will cause more damage to your car, so it’s important to act when you spot any early signs of overheating. If you ignore the early warning signs, you’re likely to see smoke beneath your car’s bonnet. Other common signs can include an unusual smell coming from the engine – leaking coolant can give off a sweet smell, while leaking oil often smells more burnt. If the temperature warning light comes on (it usually looks like a thermometer symbol), your car is flagging up a problem. Increase air flow when driving by lowering the windows slightly or using the floor ventsĮarly warning signs of overheating are likely to show up on your dashboard.Keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge.Use windscreen sun shades to reduce the risk of overheating.Park your car in the shade where possible.Carry spare coolant (often called antifreeze) and engine oil in your boot.Regularly check the levels of coolant and engine oil in your car – both need to be at the correct level for your car to run effectively.There are also some basic maintenance checks that you should do every so often, to make sure that your vehicle is in good order and to reduce the risk of a breakdown. Regular servicing will make sure your car is in the best possible condition and should help you avoid an overheating engine. If you attempt to keep driving, you risk causing more significant damage – not only to your engine but also to the gaskets, hoses and seals that help keep the engine running. ![]() If the cooling system stops working effectively, it can become hard for the heat to escape – causing the temperature to rise. Your car’s cooling system circulates coolant through the engine to the radiator, pulling heat away from the engine and keeping its temperature at a safe level. ![]() The most common cause is an issue with the car’s cooling system. Learn how it works What causes an overheating engine? Insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and maintenance are already included in your lease package, so you can enjoy worry-free motoring. The Motability Scheme makes leasing a car an easy, hassle-free experience. But in hotter weather, it’s still important to keep your car as cool as possible – and to know how you should react if your engine shows signs of overheating. Newer cars, with newer batteries, and cars that are regularly serviced are less likely to suffer from the problems that cause overheating. However, it’s important to say that most car engines will not overheat. Either scenario is understandably worrying. It may show itself as the temperature warning light flashing on or, at the more alarming end of the spectrum, with smoke coming from the car’s bonnet. Read this article by Nick Harper for some top tips on how to keep your car cool during the warmer weather, and what to do if your engine overheats.Īn overheating car can cause concern for any driver or passenger.
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