Driving with an overheated engine can take a toll on your vehicle; that's why it's crucial to detect and deal with such a problem effectively; to that end, read this post by James Peszko in Knightdale.

Keeping your vehicle at an optimal operating temperature is crucial for its systems to function correctly. However, numerous factors can increase the temperature inside the engine block (mainly problems with the cooling system). Regardless of the cause, extreme heat can cause severe hardships under the hood, for example, burnt fluids and melted materials (usually the aluminum lining the pistons and the rubber of the cylinder head gaskets). Some damage caused by overheating can result in a costly mechanic's bill; hence, it is essential to learn how to deal with an overheated engine. Thus, this post by James Peszko will guide you through the warning signs to look out for to know if your machine is overheating; plus how to effectively deal with such a problem. If you are interested in this topic, read on.

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How to Tell if Your Engine is Overheating

Not knowing the signs associated with temperature issues under your vehicle's hood could lead you to drive for too long with an overheated engine, resulting in significant damage to your car. Thus, bear in mind the following warning signs whenever you are driving:

• Temperature gauge or light: Your car is designed to show how hot the engine block is. Some recent models include a warning light on the dashboard that only comes on when the engine is overheating; however, most cars display the engine temperature through a gauge. If your vehicle has a gauge, pay attention to detecting if the needle rises towards the red mark, as this happens when the engine is overheating.
• Steam: Seeing steam coming out of the hood is never a good sign, but in most cases, it means that coolant is being burnt and evaporated due to a faulty radiator. To better understand this, you should know that coolant absorbs engine heat until its temperature surpasses the operating heat range (250 degrees approximately); when that happens, it flows to the radiator to lose heat and drop its temperature. So, if the radiator breaks, it can't lower the coolant's temperature, hence contributing to overheating.
• Sweet smell: Another common sign of overheating is a sweet smell similar to burnt syrup coming from the engine. This smell is typically generated when the coolant reaches its boiling point.
• Poor Engine Performance: When heat builds up in the engine compartment, the oil's viscosity changes and becomes thinner, causing it to lose its lubricating properties. Similarly, high temperatures affect fuel efficiency, which can even cause your vehicle to shut down. All in all, overheated fluids circulating throughout your engine can lead to misfiring and acceleration problems.

Caring for your vehicle's maintenance schedule is essential to prevent dealing with an overheated engine. If your car needs fresh oil, reach out to James Peszko at (919) 618-9623 to get the most effective synthetic oil in Knightdale. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to get familiar with the full line of motor oils and products.

How to Deal With an Overheated Engine

Once you notice the previously mentioned signs indicating that your engine is overheating, follow these steps:

1. First, stop your vehicle. Whether your temperature gauge goes up, you notice a sweet smell, or you see smoke coming from your hood, act promptly and pull over in a safe spot.
2. Next is waiting for the engine to cool down. Keep in mind that an overheated engine's temperature is around 250 degrees or above; hence, it's essential to wait for the heat to dissipate before taking the following steps.
3. Open the hood once its temperature has dropped (you can verify this by making sure the temperature gauge's needle is pointing down).
4. The next step is to check your cooling system, particularly the radiator and the hoses. To do so safely, refer to the information described in your owner's manual. Once you have pinpointed the radiator, make sure the fan isn't broken, and the water pump is in good condition.
5. If you didn't find any issue in regards to the radiator, check the coolant reservoir to determine whether or not it needs to be topped up. If you notice the coolant levels are low, that might be the problem; hence, refill the reservoir and keep an eye out on the temperature gauge in case it goes up again.
6. Finally, get your engine checked by your trusted mechanic. As mentioned initially, numerous factors can cause the engine to overheat; for example, there could be a problem with the radiator or the fuel pump; hence, it's essential to have your engine adequately inspected and repaired.

The continued use of AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil provides your vehicle with maximum protection against heat, premature wear, and horsepower loss. Call James Peszko at (919) 618-9623, or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Knightdale.