Stay cool if your engine overheats – MIWA

MIWA (Motor Industry Workshop Association) wants you to stay cool if your engine overheats this holiday.

In a recent press release by Cathy Findley Public Relations on behalf of MIWA, the causes of an overheating engine and what to do are explained. Chairperson of MIWA, Dewald Ranft offered advice on this scary, but manageable situation:

For as long as there have been cars on the road, motorists have been dealing with engines overheating, so you are by no means an isolated case if this is your car,” said Ranft. “People are quick to believe the problem is major because smoke coming from the engine and the smell of boiling coolant makes it appear this way, but it isn’t always the case.”

Ranft said the good news is that most causes of an engine overheating are inexpensive to fix – there are exceptions however, such as a blown head gasket which is one of the more major repairs.

If your engine is overheating, do the following:

• Pull over and cut the engine as soon as possible – until you can pull over safely, turn the air-conditioner off to lower stress on the engine, turn the heater on to help disperse heat away from the engine, and open all windows
• Pull over when it is safe to do so and let the engine cool down for about 20 minutes – watch the temperature gauge
• Check the coolant levels and top up if the level is low, which should help unless the coolant hose is blocked, or your vehicle has a broken radiator fan or water pump – the car’s manual will help you locate the coolant reservoir
• If you feel it is not safe to drive or are unsure about topping the coolant up yourself, call for roadside assistance and get your car to an accredited workshop for a diagnostic test on the car’s cooling system, including the radiator and engine
• If you are driving yourself to a workshop, ensure the engine has cooled down sufficiently before restarting the car.

MIWA does not advise the following:

• Panicking – you need to pull over safely and switch the engine off as soon as possible, so keep a cool head
• Keeping on driving – this could cause major damage even if you are able to reach a workshop on your own
• Opening the bonnet immediately – pop the bonnet from inside the car but don’t try to open it.

It will take a good 20 to 30 minutes for the engine to cool down sufficiently without you burning yourself when you touch the bonnet. Check your temperature gauge before opening the bonnet.

Ranft added that if you top up with coolant and it solves the problem, this does not necessarily mean it is fixed – do not ignore the issue, especially if it happens again.

Instead, he advised motorists consult an experienced and reputable workshop technician to prevent a smaller problem becoming a major expense.

Whatever the cause is, an overheating engine is not something you can ignore. If you do, it could lead to serious engine problems that can put a big dent in your pocket.”

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