Though the increase in temperature across Western Colorado is a sign of great times ahead outside, it can also spell trouble for your vehicle if you’re not careful. Higher levels of mercury can leave older used cars susceptible to overheating, and if you’re concerned about what to do if this situation arises, we’ll tell you how to diagnose and stop the problem!
How to stop a used car from overheating
First things first, if you notice the temperature in your vehicle running too high, the first course of action you should take (if it’s safe to do so) is immediately take your car in for service. This is because when your engine is overheating, sensitive components under the hood can take on some serious damage. However, if you’re on the road and need to think quickly, we’ve come up with a few methods and procedures you can take to keep the damage from worsening:
- Refill your engine coolant levels: In the summer months, one of the most important things to do for your engine is keep a bottle of coolant fluid in your vehicle. This way, you can buy yourself some time before you need to go in for service.
- Turn your car off: Engines can often run hot because of overuse on a warm day; if this is the case, pull off somewhere and shut your vehicle off. This gives it time to cool down before you seek assistance.
- Turn on your heater: This may sound counterintuitive in hot weather, but turning on your heater isolates more hot air in your cabin as opposed to your engine block. Again, this can help your engine chill a bit.
Keep in mind that all these should be used as temporary measures; if your vehicle is running too high, seek service immediately!
Read More: Tips for checking the oil level in your used vehicle
Test drive a used vehicle in Grand Junction CO
If you’ve noticed problems with your engine running too hot and find yourself in need of a new vehicle, feel free to contact our sales team right here at Carville’s Auto Mart. We’ll get you set up with the used or pre-owned car that’s best for your current situation!