If you like to work on your own vehicles instead of taking them to a mechanic, you need to have knowledge about basic auto parts. We aren't professionals either but we do know enough to make minor repairs on our vehicles. We've learned what we know by talking to mechanics and reading books on auto repair.
We've written this auto parts blog to give you basic information about various car parts and how they work. We'll also tell you the signs to look for when a part is going bad. We think that you'll find our blog helpful and informative whenever you need to fix your vehicle.
4 Signs That Your Engine Is Overheating
Anyone that drives a vehicle should know how to identify the signs of an overheating engine. Not only is it wise to avoid driving with an overheating engine because your vehicle can break down, but it can also reduce the lifespan of your engine as well. Here is how you can tell if you have a problem with a hot engine.
Temperature Gauge
Your vehicle likely has a temperature gauge that tells you what the temperature of the engine is. While the gauge will likely not have an actual number for the current temperature on it, the gauge is very easy to understand.
You want to see the gauge right in the middle when your car has been running for a while. When it just starts up the temperature gauge is going to be at the low end, and then it will slowly creep up to the middle of the gauge. If that gauge starts moving towards the high end with it past the center point, then you have a problem with an engine that is getting hot and may overheat.
Temperature Light
Some vehicles don't have a temperature gauge, but a temperature light instead. This is a bit easier to understand since it is going to turn on when the temperature of the engine gets too hot. When this happens, pull your vehicle off to the side of the road and start reading your owner's manual to find out what to do. There may be different states of the light, such as the light flashing or constantly being on, which can indicate how urgent of a problem it is.
Hot Hood
Think that the temperature gauge or light is not working well? A good way to tell is by checking the temperature of the hood. You don't want to touch the hood, but you can place your hand above it and feel the heat radiating off the engine. If you know how hot your hood usually feels under normal driving conditions, a hot hood can be a good indication something is wrong.
Odors
Overheating engines can also produce a burning smell, which is due to the lubrication oils and rubber components that are on the engine. That odor will become more noticeable as the engine gets hotter, and is a clear indication that something under the hood is operating at too hot of a temperature.
If you find that your engine is constantly overheating, you may need to get a new one. Consider purchasing a used car engine to replace it.