Signs Your Vehicle May Be Overheating

If you’ve landed on this blog, most likely you’re sitting on the side of the road trying googling, “What does it mean when…” Or something of that nature. Because hopefully whatever is wrong doesn’t mean it’s time to put your car out to pasture. The good news, the hot summer heat may mean that your car is just overheating. There are several vehicle symptoms that might mean your engine is overheating and Chapel Hill Tire has composed a comprehensive list of the main signs. The bad news, you should probably go ahead and call a tow truck. Driving with an overheated engine may cause further damage than can be prevented if you take your vehicle to a service center right away. Keep reading for a list of overheating symptoms.

Built-in Warning Systems

Modern vehicles are equipped with built-in warning systems to alert you when your engine is overheating. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard. If it starts to climb into the red zone or shows a significantly higher temperature than usual, it’s a clear indication of an overheating engine. Additionally, you may also see a warning light shaped like a thermometer or an exclamation mark, which usually illuminates when the engine temperature exceeds a safe level.

Visual Signs of Overheating

Apart from the warning systems, there are several visual signs that can indicate your engine is overheating. These signs include:

• Burning Plastic Smell: If you notice a strong odor of burning plastic, it could be an indication of overheating. This smell may be caused by the melting of various plastic components near the engine.
• Sweet Car Smell: A cloyingly sweet smell inside or outside the car could indicate a coolant leak. Coolant has a distinct sweet smell, and if it’s leaking and coming into contact with the hot engine, it can produce this odor.
• Burning Oil Smell: An overheating engine may also emit a burning oil smell. This could be a sign of an oil leak or oil reaching excessive temperatures within the engine.
• Steam Smoke or Vapor:
• Clanking Sounds: An overheating engine can cause the oil to lose lubrication, resulting in components clanking together.

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What to Do When Your Car is Overheating

If you notice any of the above symptoms or suspect that your engine is overheating, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Follow these steps:

• Pull Over Safely: Find a safe spot to pull over, away from traffic, and turn off your engine. Let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before attempting any further action.
• Do Not Open the Radiator Cap: Opening the radiator cap while the engine is hot can release scalding hot coolant and steam, causing severe burns. Wait until the engine has completely cooled before attempting to open the radiator cap.
• Check Coolant Level: Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level in the radiator or coolant reservoir. If it’s low, you may have a coolant leak or another issue that needs to be addressed.
• Call for Assistance: It’s recommended to call a tow truck or contact a professional service center to have your vehicle inspected and repaired. Driving with an overheated engine can lead to further damage and potentially costly repairs.

Remember, it’s important not to attempt to drive your vehicle with an overheated engine as it can cause severe damage and compromise your safety on the road. Schedule an appointment with Lexus of Wesly Chapel service center to identify the issue and have it repaired.

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