- \n
- Find shade when possible<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use window shades<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Professionally tint your windows<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- When parked \u2013 Keep windows cracked slightly<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Always monitor the temperature gauge<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep Coolant in your car<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If driving \u2013 Turn on the heater<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- When cleaning \u2013 Use proper products & Methods<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wax your car often<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take it in for regular maintenance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
If you see the temperature gauge reaching a dangerous level more frequently than you would like, use this guide to understand the ins and out of your vehicle\u2019s coolant needs. We\u2019ll walk you step-by-step through troubleshooting and preventative tips for the future. By the end, you\u2019ll know if a mechanic is needed, but you\u2019ll likely be able to handle this on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIntroduction to Your Car Overheating<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n![\"Overheated](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Overheated-car-engine-Photographic-Effects.jpg\" "\\"Overheated")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAll cars are susceptible to overheating at some point. There is an optimal temperature range where your car is protected for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The safest functionality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevention from interior fading<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And the most extended longevity for your vehicle <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Please note beforehand – Do not continue to drive if your car is overheating<\/strong>. If you cannot individually repair it, always call roadside assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Keep Your Car from Overheating? 10 Tips that Work! <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your typical combustion-run car (powered by fuel), as well as Electric Vehicles \u2013 each type of car is vulnerable to overheating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any type of vehicle will require Coolant and fans to keep the central engine cool. The temperature gauge will measure these fans and translates this data back to the ECU (Engine Control Unit). The ECU uses the information processed through the vehicle to communicate with the engine. This keeps the engine running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep everything communicating clearly with the ECU and follow these 10 tips that help prevent future vehicle overheating. You can prevent overheating and keep your car cool by following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#1 Find Shade When Possible<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"park](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Vintage-car-parked-in-the-shade-of-an-old-tree-in-the-house-in-Cuba..jpg\" "\\"Vintage")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThis is a top-ranking solution for all car owners to take advantage of. Especially in warmer climates or during the Summer months, this must be taken seriously as not only can the engine of your car overheat, but also the interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Researchers at the University of California San Diego<\/a> found that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf a car is parked in the sun on a Summer day, the interior temperature can reach 116-degrees Fahrenheit, and the dashboard can exceed 165-degrees Fahrenheit in approximately one hour \u2013 The time it can take for a young child trapped in a car to suffer fatal injuries.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parking<\/strong> your car in the shade<\/strong> whenever possible, will prevent:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cracking of the interior and dash<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lowered stress on your interior functions, radiator, and fans<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Engine overheating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While also extending the life span and functionality of your vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habitual parking in a shady or sheltered location can extend the lifespan of your vehicle because you are keeping all fluids and oils stable. This leads to a more well-functioning vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always park in a garage if available because this degree of shade protection will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Prevent fading from UV rays on the interior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oxidation from weathering and moisture on your paint job.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rust and corrosion into the interior mechanisms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#2 Use Window Shades <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/414RNvJYdUL._SL500_.jpg\")
<\/a>AD<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Purchasing a Car Sunshade<\/a> (AD) is an excellent way to reflect powerful UV rays back outwards, away from your car. Without a light refractor to redistribute those light rays, a greenhouse effect will cause the extreme temperatures to rapidly raise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have children or a full car, also consider Side Sunshades (4px)<\/a> (AD) for your backseat riders as well. Consider purchasing custom shades that are suited to your car\u2019s model. These can often be purchased at the dealership where your model sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#3 Professionally Tint Your Windows <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"window](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Car-wrapper-tinting-vehicle-window-with-foil.jpg\" "\\"Car")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAn upgrade above window shades, you can also have them professionally done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A professional window tint adds a layer of film to the glass, which makes it darker and tinted. When you can\u2019t see inside of someone\u2019s vehicle, this means they\u2019ve had the windows tinted. This film will keep the interior much cooler and protect the family from UVB and UVA rays that lead to sunburn and skin damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Be careful not to tint too far, as this can be illegal. Police need to be able to see your vehicle slightly, but the professional tinting expert will be aware of this). In Texas<\/a>, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVehicle windows in Texas are allowed to have tint, but the amount of tint depends on the window. No tint is allowed on the front windshield below the AS-1 line (or the top five inches), and tinting on the front side windows must allow 25 percent or more of light in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will vary from state to state but communicate with your tinting professional to find a tinting degree that works for you and remains legal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A basic window tint on Angie\u2019s List is only $99<\/a>, but this could range upwards to the thousands depending on your vehicle and the quality of your window tint preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of a window tint (as compared to a more-temporary solution of a window shade) include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Lowers the temperature inside your vehicle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increased privacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevents UV rays from weakening the car aesthetically and mechanically)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevents the risk of shattered glass<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Protects the:\n
- \n
- Dashboard<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carpeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leather<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- And all upholstery \u2013 Protects Against<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fading<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- and Overall damage <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#4 When Parked – Keep Windows Cracked Slightly <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"window](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-dog-pokes-its-muzzle-out-of-the-car-window.jpg\" "\\"dog")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTo follow up on any vehicle\u2019s propensity for greenhouse gas effects. Jonathan Strickland on How it Works<\/a> compares the atmosphere to the inside heat of your car:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe heat radiated by the seats is a different wavelength than the light of the sun that made it through the windows in the first place. So a certain amount of energy is going in, and less energy is going out. The result is a gradual increase in the temperature inside your car.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only real release for this heat is ventilation and airflow. Do this by cracking your windows slightly when you plan to leave them in a hot parking lot or driveway for extended periods. You can also crack your sunroof slightly and combine this with your tinted windows or less-permanent window shades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#5 Always Monitor the Temperature Gauge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Car](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Car-Water-Temperature-Gauge.jpg\" "\\"Car")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNear the speedometer, you will clearly see a gauge that states F-C (Fahrenheit to Celsius) or H-C (Hot to Cold). Keep an eye on this with the same regularity and normalcy as you watch the gas tank gauge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the temperature gauge throughout hot Summer days to determine if you\u2019re pushing your vehicle too hard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the car is reading as too hot, you shouldn\u2019t ignore this. It doesn\u2019t have to be smoking and steaming for your car to communicate something important. If the radar seems too high or close to hot (at around 80-100% hot, rather than being neutral or approximately 60% hot), the steps you can take to cool it off are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Slow down<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turn off the air conditioning<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t pedal or brake so hard<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brake less frequently or firmly<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Park for a while if necessary<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#6 Keep Coolant in Your Car<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"check](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/check-and-fill-coolant.jpg\" "\\"check")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe internal functions are left cool enough to operate through the combination of fans and antifreeze coolant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Antifreeze is an ingredient used within Coolant (with Coolant often being 50% antifreeze, 50% water). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip for safety \u2013 Never fill up Coolant while your car is hot. It can just evaporate and be rendered useless, also with the potential to burn yourself. Wait for the engine to cool before ever adding any coolant or water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The steps to check this and fill your coolant mixture if needed are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Find the plastic tank<\/strong> of Coolant by the radiator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If the tank is not translucent, you may need to remove the screw top<\/strong> to see how filled the Coolant is inside. Twist the cap counterclockwise to remove it from and view the coolant tank. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Read the markings<\/strong> that indicate the proper amount of antifreeze. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If it is low, fill it<\/strong> with your spare bottle of Coolant<\/a> (AD).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#7 Turn on the Heater When Driving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"turn](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-car-heater-controls.jpg\" "\\"car")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThis may sound counterintuitive, but the air-conditioning is connected to the engine, while the heater is not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turing on the air-conditioner will worsen the problem<\/a> and make your engine even hotter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conversely, turning on the heater will pull air away from the engine. This will pull air out of the engine and immediately cool down your interior functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This technique will be ideal if you\u2019re stuck in traffic and can\u2019t pull over immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#8 Use Proper Products & Methods<\/strong> When Cleaning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"protect](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Male-Worker-Cleaning-Car-Dashboard.jpg\" "\\"Male")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nUtilize soap specifically made<\/a> for Cars, and don\u2019t wash the car in the sun. The powerful UV rays will damage your paint coat, increasing the risk of your interior overheating. This also goes for waxing because the sunlight will beat down on your freshly-waxed car and undo any good you\u2019ve done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for properly cleaning your car to protect against heat are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Avoid washing in direct sunlight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a gloss product for the dashboard, which will reduce glare (reducing greenhouse effects)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a dashboard protector or windshield sun protector such as TriNova UV Protectant Spray<\/a> (AD) to strengthen your car\u2019s internal chance against overheating. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use soap<\/a> for distinguished proper purposes (if it is rust-remover, only uses on rust, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After washing, dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Any water can drip into the engine and cause moisture damage, such as\n
- \n
- Rust<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Corrosion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- and Mildew<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Warping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Malfunction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#9 Wax Your Car <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"wax](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Man-taking-care-and-cleaning-his-car.jpg\" "\\"Man")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhile waxing your car, just as with washing it, avoid direct sunlight, this adds an additional barrier of protection to your car against UV rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Purchase a wax that mentions being \u2018UV Ray Protectant & Warp Safe Hybrid Wax.<\/a>\u2019 (AD)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n#10 Take Your Car In for Regular Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"take](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Professional-Car-Mechanic-Working-with-Hydraulic-Press-in-Auto-Repair-Service..jpg\" "\\"Professional")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYes, sometimes the best thing to do is what is normally expected of a car owner. The best protection for your vehicle is to keep it running at 100% <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure that you are doing the bare minimum of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Regular annual inspections<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oil changes<\/strong> every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (AAA<\/a> describes that \u201cIt used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car\u2019s engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Battery replacement<\/strong> (required every 3 to 4 years, potentially more frequently in warmer environments and for those that drive less gently). <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Radiator flushes<\/strong> to clean out the Coolant (about every 40,000 miles but regarding your vehicle\u2019s manufacturer’s recommendation). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you want to try to do it yourself<\/strong> (DIY), then you can try some tricks to fix it yourself. In this video, there are some common ways a mechanic might try to find out what is wrong with your car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Oil changes<\/strong> every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (AAA<\/a> describes that \u201cIt used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car\u2019s engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regular annual inspections<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use soap<\/a> for distinguished proper purposes (if it is rust-remover, only uses on rust, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If the tank is not translucent, you may need to remove the screw top<\/strong> to see how filled the Coolant is inside. Twist the cap counterclockwise to remove it from and view the coolant tank. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Turn off the air conditioning<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Slow down<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use window shades<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"indications](\"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Canva-Woman-Using-Mobile-Phone-While-Looking-At-Broken-Down-Car.jpg\" "\\"Woman")
<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n