Extreme heat can bring major challenges to your car. If you've never dealt with an overheated engine, read this post by Coast to Coast Synthetics in Goliad to know how to deal with this issue safely.

As you may already know, your engine needs to be kept within a specific temperature range to run smoothly. For most vehicles, a temperature above 250 degrees inside the engine compartment can lead to severe problems, which is why it's imperative to learn how to recognize the most common signs associated with an overheated engine and what to do if your engine temperature becomes too high. If you're interested in this topic, keep reading this post from Coast to Coast Synthetics.

Minimize the chances of dealing with an overheated engine by performing preventive maintenance on your vehicle. Choose the most effective synthetic oil in Goliad to keep your engine in great shape. Call Coast to Coast Synthetics at (361) 550-9073 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place your order for top-shelf motor oils.

How to Tell If You Have an Overheated Engine

Learning which warning signs are most commonly associated with an overheating engine will allow you to quickly handle this type of problem to prevent your car from shutting down if it starts to overheat. In that regard, keep in mind the following signs of overheating while driving:

• The temperature gauge or light: Although newer cars feature a dashboard light that only pops up when the engine is overheating, most cars have a temperature gauge. This gauge has a needle that points down when the engine is cold and goes up when the engine heats up. Ideally, the gauge's needle should sit in the middle, indicating the temperature is at the optimal range; however, if the needle rises towards the red mark, your engine is likely overheating.
• Steam coming out of the hood: Seeing steam coming out of the hood typically indicates overheating. In most cases, the smoke is produced when the coolant cannot release its heat (due to problems with the radiator); as a result, its temperature rises above the engine's operating temperature (usually above 250 degrees), thus turning into steam.
• Sweet smell: Another sign commonly associated with engine overheating is the sweet smell of coolant when it reaches its boiling point.
• Weak engine performance: When fuel, oil, coolant, and other engine fluids overheat, they no longer circulate and operate as intended, thus triggering acceleration and engine performance problems.

Ensure your vehicle is adequately protected against heat and friction by giving it a synthetic oil change in Goliad. Find the right formula for your engine by reaching out to the oil pros at Coast to Coast Synthetics. Call them at (361) 550-9073 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for top-shelf products for your car's maintenance.

What to Do If Your Engine Becomes Overheated

If, while driving, you notice your engine temperature gauge rising, steam coming out of the hood, or any other sign of overheating, there is most likely a problem with the cooling system; in any case, be sure to follow the steps below:

1. The first thing is to stop your car and turn it off. If you can find a shady parking lot nearby, park there.
2. Next, wait about 15 minutes for the engine to cool down; during that time, keep an eye on the temperature gauge and make sure its needle is slowly dropping.
3. Once the engine temperature has dropped, open the hood. Before doing so, keep in mind that your hands could get burned when touching the hood; hence, protect them with gloves. If you don't have anything to protect your hands, hover them over the hood to feel the heat coming from the engine; if you notice the hood is not as hot, open it safely.
4. The next step is to check your radiator to determine whether or not there are issues with the fan or the water pump. It's also crucial to verify that the hoses are not clogged or broken. Make sure to have your operator's manual handy to pinpoint the coolant system's components during this step.
5. If there are no problems with the radiator or the hoses, check the coolant reservoir to measure its levels. If necessary, refill the reservoir and wait a few minutes to detect any possible leak. Topping up the reservoir will help you gain time to take your vehicle to the mechanic immediately.
6. The last step is to take your vehicle to the mechanic. While doing so, keep an eye on the temperature gauge and make sure the needle isn't rising; if it does, stop your vehicle again and wait for it to cool down. The important thing is to make it to the shop to have your engine checked.

If you want to provide your engine with maximum protection against premature wear and horsepower loss, feed it with high-quality formulas such as AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil. Visit AMSOIL's online store or call Coast to Coast Synthetics at (361) 550-9073 to place your order for the most effective synthetic oil in Goliad.