Why You Should Never Ignore an Overheating Engine

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With blistering and sweaty summer days never too far away in Australia, it seems that overheating can be a fact of life. You know this can be challenging and certainly problematic for you as an individual, but you may not realise how much of a problem it can be for your car. If you've noticed some warning signs on your dashboard that tell you to take action, it's important to take heed promptly. 

What's at Stake?

A typical car has an intricate cooling system that is carefully designed to protect it. This is because the engine itself houses an incredible amount of heat, due to friction and the ignition process itself. If it's not cooled properly, it will literally start to melt away.

The First to Go

While the engine itself is made from parts that can withstand very high temperatures, certain parts that connect the larger components are not so durable. For example, the head gasket is intended to seal the cylinder head from the engine block in order to keep the coolant and oil in their respective places. When overheating causes this to deform, coolant can leak into the combustion chamber. As soon as this happens, internal damage is almost certain, and if it causes a catastrophic failure, then you may have to replace the whole engine as a consequence.

Is It Your Fault?

Now that you are sufficiently concerned, you need to know what to look for and how to try and identify the causes of overheating. The first thing to do is to check your levels. Have you got the right amount of coolant in the system? Water by itself is not good enough and will not provide the same level of protection. Engineers develop different types of coolant so that they can provide the ultimate protection for your vehicle. The lesson here is clear – don't skimp when it comes to your fluids.

What about the Regulator?

Your problem may arise in the temperature regulator, or thermostat. It's a fairly simple device, but it can malfunction and, in this case, could prevent the correct amount of coolant from getting to the places it's needed.

Other Areas to Consider

Finally, remember that the coolant is not the only liquid working to help regulate your engine's temperatures. Motor oil helps to lubricate all the moving parts, and if it's not present in its correct quantity, this can be another source of overheating.

Did You Leave It Too Late?

If you've noticed some higher temperatures but have taken no action, then you may find yourself on a sweltering Sydney afternoon stuck in the middle of a motorway jam. If the temperature gauge is now climbing off the charts, turn on the heating. This will help to circulate the coolant more extensively. While it may be uncomfortable for you at the moment, it may be enough until you can get to your nearest mechanic.

For more information and help with maintaining your car, contact an automotive repairs shop in your area. 

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