‘Your engine dey overheat, you no allow am cool down, you go dey pour in water for radiator’ 4 Must-Do Things When Your Car Engine Overheats

There are many reasons why car engines overheat. Mainly, this occurs when something is wrong within the cooling system and heat cannot escape the engine compartment. This issue could be a faulty cooling system in your car, a faulty radiator fan, a broken water pump, or even a clogged coolant hose.

When this occurs, the car gets overheated. One of the dangers of an overheated car is that it can go up in flames. However, dealing with an overheated car is challenging, especially when you have somewhere to be. As impatient as many Nigerians are, the resolve is always pouring water into the radiator to stop the overheating. But that’s not the best solution. Here are things to do when your car overheats. 

Apply A Coolant

When a car’s engine overheats, it’s because the car’s coolant is low. Most people immediately substitute water for coolant, which is quite damaging. Instead of topping your heated engine with water, use a coolant. Coolants are also better than water because it protects your radiator from leaks caused by rust when using water.

Turn Off Your Air Conditioner

This applies to cars with air conditioners. This works for most of these modern cars with an indicator on the dashboard that notifies them when something goes wrong in the engine. If your engine is about to overheat, you’ll see the temperature gauge turning red or a notification light that starts glowing. 

Once you see that, quickly turn off your air conditioner since the AC also puts a lot of strain on the engine.

Park The Car

This might counter your plans to go where you’re going, but it’ll save you from any hazard. Pull over that car, turn off the engine and avoid opening the bonnet by hand until the engine cools off. Especially when the steam is coming out from the bonnet. It takes about 30 minutes to cool off to become safe to handle. If you cannot handle it after this, contact a professional immediately.

Check The Coolant Tank

Do this only when the engine has cooled off. The coolant tank is the transparent plastic tank near the radiator. If it is empty, chances are the coolant tank is leaking and will need to be fixed. Call a professional auto mechanic for assistance.

If you can do it yourself, open the radiator cap, place a cloth over it to protect your hand, and tilt the cap away from you as it opens. Refill the cooling radiator with some coolant. Avoid pouring cooled water into a still-hot radiator it could cause the engine to block due to sudden temperature changes.

If you must add water while the engine is still warm, pour slowly while the engine runs in neutral.

Conclusion

Many Nigerians don’t take overheating cars seriously. In most cases, they continue to drive. But this is very dangerous. To avoid issues, find a parking space immediately your car overheats.