Although the cooling systems in modern vehicles are built to withstand extreme temperatures and driving situations, every car is susceptible to an overheated engine. If you notice smoke coming from your hood or your engine temp getting dangerously high, here’s what you need to do.
Pull over and turn off your engine. The first crucial action you must take is to stop and turn your vehicle off. Fortunately, most vehicles come with a warning light and pressure relief, allowing drivers to take action before the engine is damaged. Once your vehicle is turned off, call for help (i.e. tow truck). In the meantime, don’t touch the engine or anything else under the hood (including the hood)!
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Why is your engine overheating?
After your engine has finished cooling off, there are a few things you should check—the engine coolant reservoir and the hoses. Potential issues typically surround these two areas. If your reservoir is empty or low on fluid, you’ll want to fill it up with fresh antifreeze. If the coolant tank is empty, look around for a drip or puddle on the ground. If you find one, chances are you have a leak in the system.
How do cooling systems work?
To completely understand why your engine is overheating, you first need to know how a vehicle’s cooling system works. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine and is then pushed via the water pump to the radiator, where it is cooled and recirculated to the engine. So, if the cooling system malfunctions, the entire process is happening at too high of a temperature.
Read more: What does my Toyota check engine light mean?
If the cooling system in your car has malfunctioned and you need to have it fixed, we invite you to schedule a service appointment with our team at Toyota Vacaville. Our skilled service technicians will work efficiently and accurately to get your vehicle back its proper working condition.
