The last thing anyone wants to see is a billowing cloud of white smoke coming from under the hood of their car. Jack Stoldt Auto Service Center employs experienced and ASE-certified mechanics who can get you back on the road quickly whenever something goes wrong. If you’re in the Springfield, IL area, we can take care of all your car service needs. Here are some important tips to consider if your car overheats while you’re on the road.
What Causes Vehicle Overheating?
If your engine overheats, it’s usually a sign of a problem with the radiator or coolant system. It could be something as simple as a blockage in one of your hoses or a sign of more extensive engine damage. The worst thing you can do is ignore an overheating engine because the longer you run your engine over the recommended temperatures, the more widespread the damage can become. What could be a simple repair may end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands more.
What to Do if Your Car Overheats
Our professionals at Jack Stoldt Auto Services Center in Springfield, IL recommend that you stay calm when your car starts to overheat. The best thing to do would be to pull off the road and turn your engine off, but if you need to continue driving, we suggest that you turn off your air conditioning and begin to run your heat. This gives the heat a place to go outside your engine block and may help you get to the shop for maintenance.
Safety is extremely important when trying to find out what’s going on with your engine. Before you pop your hood, ensure your engine is off, and it’s had a chance to cool off. You could burn your hands on the hood itself or be injured by hot steam and liquids. Once your car engine has cooled off a bit, look for signs of leaks and cracked hoses by checking for fluid on the ground and the engine block to see if you have a coolant leak.
Why Routine Vehicle Maintenance is Important
The weather in Springfield, IL reaches extremes in both directions. Extreme cold and heat can cause engine parts to degrade more quickly. Something as minor as a leaky hose can cause you to lose coolant or damage critical components in your vehicle such as your water pump or radiator. You’re unable to resolve problems with your vehicle that you’re unaware of, so it’s a good idea to perform regular vehicle maintenance so that we can inspect your vehicle for common wear and tear issues.
Quality and Affordable Auto Service
Jack Stoldt Auto Services Center has served Springfield, IL area for over 40 years. Whether you just need simple routine maintenance or your vehicle has broken down, you can trust us to do the job. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or call us at 217.522.9113.
