Ignoring an overheating vehicle could lead to irreparable damage to the car. This is because a vehicle will generally not overheat unless something has gone wrong. Overheating causes the car engine to overwork, reduce power output, and eventually stop running.
How far can you drive an overheating car before you need to stop? In this article, we explore what options you have.
What Causes a Car to Overheat?
There are several reasons why your car engine could be overheating. Overheating occurs when heat is unable to escape the engine compartment due to an issue with the car’s cooling compartment. The problem source could be a blocked coolant hose, faulty radiator fan, or faulty water pump.
Certain driving conditions, like driving around on a hot day, can significantly stress the car’s cooling system, thereby leading to faults. Wear and tear can also happen with other components such as water pumps, gaskets, and rubber hoses. Oil leaks or coolant leaks can also lead to overheating.
What Are the Telling Signs That Your Car Is Overheating?
Overheating situations differ by car model and brand. However, there are a few common signs to look out for. They include:
Dashboard Warning Symbol
A warning symbol on the dashboard warns you when the car starts to overheat. This symbol is commonly an engine temperature gauge in water that indicates a high temperature. Once you notice this symbol, you need to start taking preventive measures.
Loud Ringing Alarm
Some car models come with a built-in temperature that goes off when the car starts to overheat. It sounds just like a high-pitched alarm and won’t stop until you let the engine cool down.
Steam From the Front of the Car
In situations where the warning signs and symbols don’t work, you might need to look out for physical evidence, including steam or smoke coming out of the hood. You might need to pull over to check your engine if you notice this.
New Smells and Odors
Another telling sign is burning smells. Oil and coolant typically have a burning smell. If you start to smell smoke or something burning from the front part of the car, you should turn off the car engine to confirm what the issue is.
How Far Can You Drive an Overheating Car?
There isn’t a specific number of miles a motor can travel when the engine starts to overheat. Some car engines will go miles while others will move for just a short distance. However, once the engine shuts down, the car will stop working.
Whenever you notice any of the warning signs above, you should stop your car the minute it is safe to do so. There is no defined limit to how far you can drive an overheating car. However, you shouldn’t attempt to keep on driving an overheating car.
Once your car engine starts to overheat, it starts to run at a high and dangerous temperature. You risk serious damage to your car engine the more you drive. Most times, these damages cost a lot of money to be fixed and are irreparable in some cases.
What to Do When Your Car Starts to Overheat
Pull Over and Give the Car a Break
The first step to take when your car starts to overheat is to stop the car and pull over as soon as it is safe to. Turn off the car engine and other electrical accessories. Check your rims and your tires for any damage.
Check Coolant Levels
If your vehicle has a radiator cap, you should open it and wait for your car to cool down. If you notice the coolant level has dropped low, you should top it off.
Turn Off the Car Air Conditioner
If your car has a functioning air conditioning system, turn it off and let the car cool down. This allows the cooling system to cool down faster.
Turn On the Heater
Turning on the car heater draws heat away from the car engine and spreads it into the car, thereby easing its cooling system. In some situations, this can be helpful.
Shift the Gear to Neutral and Rev the Engine
This option is suitable if you notice your car overheating when stuck in traffic. Shift your car gear into neutral and rev your engine. This allows coolant to get into the engine and get rid of excess heat.
Find a Mechanic
While the methods above can slow down overheating, it is recommended to find a qualified mechanic to identify the cause of the overheating and fix it.
How to Prevent Your Car From Overheating
Here are a few steps that can help you prevent your car engine from overheating.
Regular Oil Changes and Fan Inspection
Low oil or low coolant levels can result in your car overheating, so it’s important to maintain regular oil checks and changes when due. Make sure your car fans are checked for wear and tear. Check your radiator for any issues, and don’t fall behind on your radiator maintenance.
Check Your Coolant Level
You should especially check your coolant level more during the summer, as the weather tends to be hotter. Check your coolant tank to confirm the coolant level. Fill it up to the recommended level if it is low. Check under the car and around the car engine for leaks.
Check Your Car Engine
Before you drive out on a long-distance trip, you should check your car engine and its components to ensure there are no issues. Check the car’s drive belt for any wear, or check your car radiator for any blockage. Inspect the radiator cap also to confirm it sits tightly.
Conclusion
How far can you drive an overheating car? It all depends on how much consideration you have for your safety and engine health. There is no limit to how far you can go. However, the further you go, the higher the risk of irreparable engine damage.
If you notice your car engine is overheating, the best thing to do is pull over as soon as possible to prevent any severe engine damage. You can also avoid damaging your car by learning how to prevent overheating and what to do when it occurs. Always stay up to date with your car checks and maintenance to prevent overheating.
