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7/7/2016

How to Stop Your Engine From Overheating

An overheating engine is a common issues most drivers have to deal with at some point in their life. If you're not sure how to deal with this issue, follow these tips from Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. in Minot.

What to Do If Your Engine Starts to Overheat

  1. Turn off your engine. The first thing you need to do when you notice your vehicle's temperature is getting too high is pull over and turn off your engine. Doing this promptly will reduce the chances of your engine sustaining heavy damages. If you're stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, roll down your windows and turn on the heater to allow the hot air to escape from your engine.
  2. Allow your engine to cool. Once you've managed to pull over and turn off your engine, pop open your hood to help your engine cool down faster. Prop open the hood and allow your car to rest for a few minutes.
  3. Check on your coolant. Never touch anything under the hood while your car is still hot. Once things have completely cooled down, check on your coolant. Look for the coolant reservoir and feel the lid before removing it just to be sure it is completely cool. If your coolant is low, this can be a sign of a leak. If you have extra coolant in your car, fill it up to the recommended level before driving your car again. If you don't have extra coolant, call someone for help.
  4. Get your car serviced. Even if your problem seems to be solved by simply topping off your coolant, this may not be the end of your issues. Be sure to take your car into the shop to get professionally inspected. Remember that small issues can turn into bigger and harder to fix problems if you wait to get things inspected.
Another way to keep your engine properly protected this season is by getting a synthetic oil change in Minot. To find the best synthetic oil for your car, contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. in Minot. Don't forget to check out our website for a full range of our AMSOIL products. Call us at (701) 572- 3780 to place your order today!

Causes of an Overheating Engine

Because there are so many components in the cooling system, it can be hard to tell what exactly is causing your overheating issues. Some problems, like leaks, are easier to detect, but other issues will require a full inspection to get fixed. These are some of the most common issues that can cause an overheating engine.
  1. Leaks in the cooling system. There are several areas in the cooling system where leaks can occur, leading this to be one of the most common causes of overheating. Leaks can occur in the hoses, the radiator, the water pump, and the thermostat among other areas. You can usually tell when there's a leak because your coolant will consistently run low. If you're not sure if a leak is causing your issues, a pressure check will help make this more clear. A small leak may not seem like a large issue, but over time this can cause you to run out of coolant altogether. Before this happens, be sure to get your system checked out by a professional.
  2. Issues with the hoses. The hoses in the cooling system are responsible for transporting your coolant, thus keeping temperatures down under the hood. Over time, hoses can become worn and brittle, leading to leaks and other issues. To prevent issues caused by the hoses, check on them periodically to ensure they're still in good working order. If they're worn, soft, or brittle, it may be time to replace them.
  3. Blocks in the passageway. It's important for your engine that the passageways in the cooling system are free of blockages in order to keep things cools. However, blockages can and do happen. They can be caused by rust, debris, and dirt accumulating in different points in the cooling system, Blockages can impede the flow of important fluids, leading to an inefficient cooling process.
  4. Issues with the thermostat. The thermostat is an integral part of the cooling system. It's basically a valve that opens and closes according to the temperature of your engine. When it's open, it allows coolant to pass through the radiator to cool down. When it's closed, the coolant can't reach the radiator. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or gets stuck, it will disrupt the flow of the coolant and its ability to cool off, leaving your engine at risk of overheating.
  5. Faulty radiator fan. Most vehicles have at least a couple of fans that help the engine and coolant cool down. If one of your fans is broken or not working properly, it won't be very effective doing its job. If both of the fans are malfunctioning, this can mean trouble for your engine.

Get Synthetic Oil Change Near Me in Minot

To find out more about the benefits of using synthetic oil, contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. in Minot. Give us a call at (701) 572- 3780 to find out more about our full range of AMSOIL products. Don't forget to ask about our AMSOIL Oil deals and specials!