What To Do When Your Engine Overheats 

The summer’s blistering heat is nearly upon us, as we prepare for temperatures in El Paso to hit their yearly pinnacle. June is actually our region’s hottest month, with an average temperature of a scorching 96 degrees. As such, it’s time to make the necessary preparations to ensure your vehicle can beat the heat.

Witnessing your engine overheat can be quite unnerving, with the potential consequences equally distressing. Severe damage could be inflicted on your car by an overheated engine. Or it can suddenly leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere amidst triple-digit temperatures. Today, let Casa Kia guide you through the tell-tale signs of overheating and the measures you should follow if your engine does overheat.

Identify the Warning Signals

Your engine usually communicates the need for maintenance by making atypical noises, or through dashboard icons. In a similar fashion, it attempts to gain your attention when it starts to overheat. Four signs that your engine is on the brink of overheating include:

1. Steam resembling smoke seeping out from under the hood.
2. An unusually sweet smell emanating from the engine.
3. The engine temperature gauge needle moving rapidly towards the red.
4. The “Check Engine” light or a similar indicator flashing.

Steps to Follow if Your Engine Overheats

1. Deactivate the Air Conditioner and Ramp Up the Heat

Though it sounds extremely contradictory, turning off the AC and cranking the heat is the first thing you should do once you suspect your engine is overheating. Turning off the air conditioner eases the pressure on the engine, while augmenting the heat in the cabin diverts heat away from the engine.

2. Keep Calm, Locate a Safe Spot to Pull Over, & Shut Off the Engine

During such an unsettling situation, the most crucial thing to remember is to remain calm. Your brand-new Kia Carnival MPV is not about to imminently explode; succumbing to panic increases your chances of making a mistake, which could lead to irrevocable damage. Simply continue driving at a reduced speed until you locate a safe spot to pull over. Once parked, switch off the engine and check the temperature gauge, which should begin returning to normal as the engine cools down.

3. Formulate Your Route to the Garage

This scenario underscores the importance of charging your phone ahead of embarking on any journey. You’ll need to call a friend or a service to get your vehicle to a garage – ideally to our comprehensive Service Center, if you’re still in the El Paso area. Contact your chosen roadside assistance provider and arrange your vehicle to be towed, if necessary. If your engine has calmed enough and you believe you can make it to the closest mechanic unassisted, cautiously start the engine and proceed to drive. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If it begins climbing again, pull over and let the system cool down again.

Treat Your Engine to the Care of Casa Kia

Although you are now equipped with the essential information to manage these unpredictable scenarios, the mystery persists as to what triggered the overheating. Numerous reasons could have led your vehicle to overheat; a leak in the coolant system, a faulty water pump, or a low engine oil level could all be probable suspects.

To ensure your engine’s health moving forward, schedule your service appointment at Casa Kia. From ordering hard-to-find Kia parts to routine oil changes, our service professionals will tend to any need your vehicle has. It may be about to get sweltering outside; ensure that your Kia keeps its cool all summer long when you take it to Casa Kia.

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