Perhaps some of you returning from a family meeting over Christmas suddenly found your car overheating. You may be on the road again early in the New Year, and you don’t want a repeat of what had happened earlier. Overheating can cause engine damage. Let’s see how you can prevent your car from overheating.1
Leave your car in the shade1
A car shouldn’t be parked in the sun for too long, seeing the interior temperature soars with closed windows. So, aim to park under the nearest tree, and if there isn’t one, place a sun shield over the dashboard, with the sun visors down.
What about ‘anti-smash’ protection for the windows? 1
Nowadays, in South Africa, most vehicles are fitted with tinted windows. In addition, they are covered with a dark film that not only protects them from getting smashed by any would-be criminal but also shields the car’s interior from the sun’s heat and harmful rays.
Should you slightly open the car’s windows? 1
Leaving a car’s windows slightly open could be feasible only if you park the car in a securely guarded area. However, it is ideal to leave the windows slightly open to escape the hot air. In this way, you’ll prevent the car’s interior from heating up. But be alert to any changes in the weather, as a sudden thunderstorm could mess up the car’s interior.
Avoid using the air conditioner initially1
If your car has been parked in the sun for a while, don’t switch on the air conditioner straightaway. Instead, open all the car’s doors, the boot, and let a draught of air flow through the vehicle. You’ll be amazed to see how cool the car is when you drive off. Only then switch on the air conditioner, which can cool circulating air instead of drawing hotter air from the outside.
Have you noticed the temperature gauge lately? 1
The temperature gauge plays a crucial role in protecting your engine from heat damage. It warns you if the engine is becoming hotter than it should. This is when the needle moves from its normal central position to the right and towards the red zone. If this happens, stop the car immediately so that the engine can cool down.
Switch on the hot airflow to cool the engine1
This may be the most challenging thing to do on a scorching day, but it will draw hot air away from the overheating engine compartment. This is especially useful when you can’t immediately find a place to stop.
When last did you check the coolant level? 1
Coolant does slowly evaporate over time, resulting in its level dropping slowly. Whenever you refuel, also check the oil and coolant levels. It is helpful to buy a bottle of coolant specifically made for your car and top up the level at home when necessary. If you notice a sudden and significant drop in the level, it could mean that the coolant system is leaking.
What will you do if you are stuck on the side of the road in the middle of the hot Karoo, with an overheating engine? It’s great if you have access to a 24/7 roadside assistance and towing service, which could be provided by your car insurer. Contact PMD if you would like more information about this service and affordable car insurance products with unique benefits such as fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://blog.nationwide.com/how-to-keep-your-car-from-overheating/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.