A vehicle’s engine overheating is a common problem, especially in vintage cars at the hottest time of year – circumstances that require special attention.

Is there any way to prevent an engine from overheating? What should you do if your vehicle’s engine heats up? We’ll walk you through every detail in this article.

Firstly, it should be noted that overheating and undercooling are opposite problems that can be faced by an engine.

 

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What is the Difference Between an Engine Undercooling and Overheating?

While undercooling occurs when the engine does not reach optimum operating temperatures or cannot warm up properly, overheating occurs when the engine exceeds safe temperature limits.

 

What does it mean if an Engine is Overheating?

An engine overheating is a mechanical problem that takes place when a vehicle’s engine temperature rises above safe, recommended levels.

Though most people are unaware of this, it is also possible to overheat electric engines. This happens when the engine is forced to operate in environments with high temperatures.

Causes of high temperatures vary, including problems with the cooling system, coolant leaks, and water pump or thermostat malfunctions, among others.

 

What Causes an Engine to Overheat?

Engines can reach high temperatures due to problems or failures relating to the cooling system or other vehicle components. However, the most common causes are:

• Low coolant levels;
• Coolant leaks;
• Thermostat malfunctions;
• Water pump problems;
• A damaged Radiator;
• Lack of radiator ventilation;
• Torn or loose fan belt;
• Lack of proper maintenance of the cooling system;
• Problems with the exhaust system, such as an obstructed exhaust pipe.

 

What are the Signs an Engine is Overheating?

To prevent severe damage and any possible road accidents, it is vital to be aware of signs that indicate that the engine is overheating, which include:

• The engine light comes on on the dashboard;
• The temperature gauge shows rising temperature;
• Smoke coming out of the hood;
• The smell of burnt coolant;
• A decrease in vehicle performance, such as loss of engine power;
• Resonance or abnormal noises.

 

 

What are the Consequences of an Engine Overheating?

Your car engine overheated and stopped working? This is just one of the many consequences of an engine overheating.

In less severe cases, high engine temperatures impact polluting gas emissions and noise levels.

In more severe circumstances, if a malfunction is confirmed, you must take your car to a garage. In addition to the inconvenience of having to go without your car while it is being repaired, you’ll also face the unpleasant surprise in the form of the bill you’ll need to pay.

 

Safety Measures you can Take to Prevent your Engine from Overheating

. To prevent your engine from overheating, follow these essential preventive maintenance tips:

• Use distilled water;
• Use the coolant recommended by your car’s manufacturer;
• Change your car’s coolant every 3 years (if you do not have the tools necessary, seek out a specialised garage);
• Check that there are no leaks in the radiator, pipes, or water pump;
• Clean the radiator and purge the antifreeze from the circuit every 2 years at your trusted garage;
• Check if the fan is working properly.

 

What should you do when you see that your Engine is Overheating?

As noted previously, you should seek help from a specialised mechanic to correct the situation as quickly as possible. However, if this happens while you are driving, you should:

1. Stop your vehicle in a safe location as quickly as possible;
2. Turn your engine off and wait a few minutes to allow for it to cool;
3. Check coolant levels (if safe to do so) and add water or coolant if necessary;
4. Call roadside assistance to diagnose and correct the problem before starting your car back up again.

Remember never to open the hood immediately, as steam or hot liquid can cause burns. Wait for the hood to cool before checking the engine.

If the water level in the radiator is dropping too quickly, there is likely a leak in the radiator.

 

How can you Detect Coolant Leaks?

To confirm a suspected leak, you should:

• Check radiator fluid levels;
• Be aware of stains on the floor under the engine;
• Check if the engine temperature is above 90 degrees, which could indicate a leak in the radiator.

 

Which Tools are Available in the KROFtools catalogue to help Detect Radiator Leaks?

If you suspect your radiator’s leaking, it is best to check it out as soon as possible to avoid more severe damage.

As such, you’ll find several tests that can be used on your cooling system in the KROFTools catalogue. Learn more about each of them.

 

Refrigeration Tester 28-Pieces

 

 

This test allows you to check for any radiator fluid leaks. It is compatible with various car brands, including Porsche, Jeep, Mercedez Benz, Cadilac, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, and Renault, among others.

Click on the image to find out more about our Refrigeration Tester 28-Piece (ref. 2514).

 

Refrigeration Tester 33-Pieces

 

 

To test radiator pressure and radiator cap leaks on brands such as Mercedes Benz, Opel, Ford, BMW, Volvo, Citroën, Fiat, and Renault, among others.

It has 30 adapters, a manual pump with a graduated pressure gauge, and a pressure release button.

Click on the image to find out more about our Refrigeration Tester 33-Piece (ref. 2516).

 

Universal Radiator Pressure Tester & Vacuum-Type Cooling System

 

 

Fits most radiator pressure caps. Colour-coded radiator test cover, allowing users to easily identify the cover to test for leaks in the cooling system.

The adjustable opening of the radiator test adapter is 40-75 mm.

Click on the image to find out more about our Universal Radiator Pressure Tester & Vacuum-Type Cooling System (ref. 2517).

 

5PCS Universal Cooling System Pressure Test KIT

 

 

This kit uses a universal cone adapter to seal and pressurise the cooling system.

The 4 adapters are used to replace the plug caps and adapt to a wide range of vehicles.

It has a manual pump with a pressure gauge for simple, easy-to-control tests.

Click on the image to find out more about our 5PCS Universal Cooling System Pressure Test KIT (ref. 2518).

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