You drive by the interstate revving your 3 liters, and the roar of the exhaust brings a smile to your face. Little do you know, submerged in the roar lies the whimpering of an overheated, worn-out engine. The question is, ‘are you aware of the dangers of an overheating engine?’
The engine is the heart of the vehicle. If it is not operating optimally, needless to say, it is detrimental to the driving experience. If this is the case, you must prioritize its maintenance above anything else in the car. Revving your engine at 120 kmph in the scorching heat only requires further cooling. The radiator does the trick for you. Its purpose is to keep the engine running calm and relaxed.
The radiator requires a liquid coolant to operate and regular inspections. But we get it; for you non-petrol heads out there, it is a mundane task to keep an eye on radiator levels.
Let’s see if you think the same as you read on. Here are some symptoms you can put your finger on if your engine is overheating due to coolant negligence.
Scorching hood
Paying your car hood a hearty visit through a casual smoke is wise. If the hood feels like you can cook eggs on them, it is probably a good time to check your antifreeze levels.
Dashboard warnings
The first thing you will probably notice is the flashing warnings on your car dashboard. Your engine sends cries for help: “Hey, buddy, got a little situation over here.” The temperature gauge should be running higher than usual. The overheating can be due to numerous bottlenecks, such as a broken water pump, cracked or leaky reservoir, or even a permanently damaged engine.
If you cannot detect the cause of the problem, try consulting a professional in the field.
Ticking Noise
Keep your ears open for any unusual sound from the engine. It is a symptom of engine components drying up. When engine oil is heated, it loses its viscosity and lubrication properties. Dry engine components promote friction, and the engine picks apart from within. Neglecting antifreeze for your radiator can make your machine more susceptible to wear and tear.
Leaking coolant
If you notice a trail of liquid on your driveway or dripping from the cooling system, it indicates antifreeze boiling to the point that the excess relieves pressure build-ups.
Reduced engine ferocity
Overheating can reduce your car’s performance and cause it to bottleneck from the way you want it to go. When you notice this reduction in overall performance, it is an excellent time to spot odd smells and hood temperature. It is wise not to touch anything under the hood unless the engine has taken its time to cool. Checking the coolant level at this time will only result in a severe burn.
But is it safe to drive past these symptoms to reach from point A to point B?
Dangers associated with engine overheating
- Busted Hoses: In an overheating episode, the antifreeze will bubble and expand within the engine. Pressure within the hoses will increase, breaking free from their connection points. What’s worse is the steaming coolant liquid spilled can corrode and damage sensitive engine components.
- Destroyed Head Gasket: A broken gasket is one of the greatest dangers when dealing with an overheated engine. Antifreeze and oil form a corrosive mixture circulated throughout various parts of the machine. One symptom of a blown head gasket is white smoke emitting from the engine.
- Compromised Cylinder Heads: Aluminum is used to manufacture cylinder heads, a metal prone to warp under intense heat. Driving a coolant-deprived car can overheat the engine and warp its cylinders. Furthermore, the cylinder isn’t the only component that would bend. Sensors, belts, and wiring are at risk as well.
- Scuffed Pistons: One of the metal’s properties is to undergo expansion when exposed to heat. Temperature is maintained to a safer range to allow the pistons to work freely. Any alien variation can cause the pistons to go haywire, damaging the engine.
One of the most significant disadvantages to ignoring an overheating car is the substantial hits to your bank. The savings mean you can invest more in other improvisations. One is windshield water fluid, a detergent-based liquid that prevents the windshield from any blemishes and debris build-up on the windscreen.
Cool your car
Anticongelante and car coolant work wonders to keep your engine healthy and running. And we’re pretty sure you would be happy, too, after hearing it rev back down the interstate with the performance it was designed to dish out.
Choose American MFG to help you achieve the best out of your car with premium car servicing products, including coolants and antifreeze. Escape the dangers of an overheating engine by using the best products.
So grab your keys and your wallets, and order now!
