There is literally nothing more heartbreaking than a red warning light flashing when you are stuck in rush hour traffic or driving on a remote country lane. Life in the UAE is such that heat, dust and sand can increase the chance of your car overheating. So, it pays to be prepared. If your car gets dangerously hot, it’s important to know what to do to stay safe and limit costly engine damage.
Why Do Cars Overheat?
Cars of any age can overheat. Our extremely hot summer temperatures increase the likelihood of this happening, especially if the engine coolant level is low. Cars can also overheat if there are problems with air circulation, for example if the filters are clogged with sand and dust.
In some cases, an overheating problem can be a sign of a more serious engine problem. Whatever the cause, if your car overheats, you should take action immediately.
What SHOULD I DO IF MY CAR STARTS TO OVERHEAT?
If the engine temperature warning light comes on or steam is escaping from the bonnet, act quickly:
As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over and stop.
Switch off the engine.
Get out of the car and make sure passengers get out too. Make sure everyone is away from the car if it catches fire.
Open the bonnet to allow the engine to cool down. Bear in mind that it can be very hot, so you may need to use something to protect your hands.
Whatever you do, do not try to open the radiator cap straight away, as the pressurised steam can cause serious burns.
Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant reservoir. If it is empty, the coolant may have leaked or there may be a leak.
Fill the coolant tank with coolant or a mixture of coolant and water. If possible, it is best not to use water only. Pouring cold water on hot parts can damage the engine.
If the coolant reservoir is full, there is probably another problem with the engine and you will need the help of a mechanic.
Never drive if the car is overheated. If you do, you could cause significant engine damage that will be much more expensive to repair.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
In general, in the UAE you should think about having your car serviced every 5,000 km. Regular car maintenance, especially during the hot summer months, can help prevent your car from overheating. During the service, the coolant level will be checked for adequacy and filters can be cleaned or replaced to ensure good air circulation.
Gargash Auto offers one-stop servicing for all makes and models of cars. Our highly skilled mechanics have years of training and experience as car mechanics, so they’ll know what to do when maintenance and repairs are needed. This means you can be sure they’ll be able to quickly identify and fix any problem, no matter what type of car you drive.
Don’t put off servicing your car. If you do, it can be much more costly in the long run, as repairs and renewals can be much more expensive. Worse still, you could be faced with the misfortune of having your car break down in the August sunshine. Book your service today and make sure you stay cool.
