Keep Your Engine Cool This Summer!

Understanding Your Engine’s Cooling System

Regardless of the season, vehicle engines generate a lot of heat. Here’s why:

• A typical four-cylinder engine in a small car going 50 miles per hour produces over 4,000 controlled explosions every minute.
• Each cylinder’s spark plug ignites a fuel/air mixture multiple times every second. That’s more explosions than a summer blockbuster movie!
  
  

Without a cooling system, the heat from these explosions would destroy an engine in minutes.

In a typical liquid-cooled engine, coolant absorbs engine heat and carries it to the radiator. Heat passes through the radiator tubes and fins into the surrounding air. Vehicle movement and the cooling fan move air through the radiator; the engine air intake serves a separate purpose. DENSO explains how radiator cooling works. Key parts of the cooling system include:

• Radiator
• Radiator cooling fans
• Pressure cap & reserve tank
• Water pump
• Thermostat
• Bypass system
• Freeze plugs
• Head gaskets
• Intake manifold gaskets
• Heater core
• A series of hoses
  
  

If your vehicle overheats, it’s because one or more parts of this system have failed. Let’s explore how this can happen.

How an Engine Overheats

An engine overheats when it generates more heat than its cooling system can handle. Here are some common causes:

• Leaks in the Cooling System: If coolant leaks from hoses, the radiator, water pump, or head gasket, there won’t be enough to maintain the proper temperature.
• Broken Water Pump: The water pump moves coolant through the system. If it fails, the coolant won’t circulate, leading to overheating.
• Radiator Failure: Damage to the radiator or its cooling fans can prevent the coolant from being properly cooled before returning to the engine.
• Low Engine Oil: Engine oil lubricates moving parts and also helps draw heat away. Low oil levels can lead to higher temperatures and potential overheating.
• Thermostat Failure: The thermostat regulates the engine’s temperature. If it fails, it can prevent the system from cooling the engine properly.
  
  

A skilled automotive professional can help identify and fix the cause of overheating.

What to Do if Your Engine Overheats

If your engine overheats, take these steps to ensure safety and prevent damage:

Recognize Overheating Signs

• Steam escaping from under the hood (it looks like smoke)
• The temperature gauge on your dashboard is maxed out
• Strange odors like burning oil or sweet-smelling antifreeze
  
  

Stop Driving and Pull Over

Safely pull over and stop the car. Continuing to drive can cause severe damage. If it’s not safe to stop immediately, turn on the heat to pull heat from the engine, roll down the windows, and drive at low RPM.

Don’t Open the Hood Immediately

Wait before opening the hood, as built-up heat and pressure can be dangerous.

Call for Help

Call roadside assistance and a tow truck. Keep the number of a trusted towing service handy for emergencies.

Preventing Engine Overheating

Here are some simple steps to help prevent your engine from overheating:

• Change Your Oil Regularly: Regular oil changes help maintain the engine’s temperature.
• Maintain Coolant Levels and Flush the Cooling System: Ensure your coolant levels are adequate and have your cooling system flushed periodically to remove debris.
• Inspect Radiator Airflow, Cooling Fans, Belts, and Hoses: Check the front of your vehicle for debris blocking airflow. Inspect belts and hoses for damage and get professional help if needed.