An overheating car could be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be a broken radiator, a kinked radiator hose, a faulty thermostat, and maybe even a lack of coolant. There are many more reasons as well. No matter what the cause, if you are ever in a similar situation, there are three major things you should never do when your car is overheating.

Do Not Continue Driving if Your Car is Overheating

When you first notice that your vehicle is overheating, it is crucial to pull over and stop the car immediately. An overheating car should never be driven. This can be very dangerous. Wait until your car is entirely cooled down before starting the engine again.

Never Check Radiator Fluid Levels in an Overheated Car

Checking your fluid levels in your radiator when the car is overheating is simply asking for trouble. It can be extremely dangerous. There is a lot of pressure built up beneath the radiator cap. Boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, potentially burning and injuring anyone in its path. Determine whether or not you are on an inline for accurate fluid readings. If the car is not level, the fluids cannot be level.

Never Use Cold Water on a Hot Engine

When a car’s engine has overheated, do not put cold water in the vehicle. Not only can this damage the engine block and cause it to crack, it can lead to other severe auto damages and costly repairs. Let a car cool down completely, as mentioned earlier, before tending to an overheated engine.

For more information about what to not do when your car overheats, call our professional auto repair technicians at Strange’s Garage. We can give you advice on car repair, DIY maintenance tips, free estimates, and more. Visit our engine repair webpage at http://www.strangesgarage.com/engine-repair-indianapolis.php, or call us directly at 317-244-2121 for information about car and engine repair in Indianapolis, IN.