5 steps to take if your car overheats

Having your car overheat is one of the worst feelings! When you’re driving along during your commute to work and your Toyota car goes kaput! It can seem like a huge headache and you might feel like an unexpected and expensive auto repair or Charlotte Toyota auto service is needed. However, there are some signs to spot before your car is badly damaged. And, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to break those down for you! Let’s dive in! 

Signs to watch out for!

• If you smell an odd smell coming from under the hood, then this is a huge telltale sign that something is about to go down! If you need more car coolant or have a leak, then you’ll smell something sweet. However, if there’s an oil leak, then it’ll smell like something is burning. 
• If you notice the Charlotte Toyota temperature gauge going in the “H” section or to the red area, then this is a huge red flag! 
• Also, if your see smoke coming from the hood, then this should ring alarm bells in your head! 

Steps to take if your car overheats

Step #1 Turn the heater on. 

When your car overheats, turning the heater on might seem like the exact opposite thing you should do. However, this helps redirect some of the hot air from the Charlotte Toyota engine and put it in the cabin. If the warning light turns off or if the temperature gauge goes back to the middle, then you’re in the clear. 

Step #2 Pull over. 

If you’re driving and notice that the smoke is getting worse or isn’t getting any better, then Toyota of N Charlotte suggests pulling over. Now is the best time to call some roadside assistance if you need it. 

Step #3 Be calm. 

Another step to take if your car overheats is to just try to stay calm. This would be a good time to wait 15 minutes before opening your hood. If you don’t wait long enough, then the hot steam can blast your face. Our auto service technicians can also do this for you if you don’t want to. 

Step #4 Add coolant. 

Once you’ve waited 15 minutes, you can put some gloves on and grab a towel to remove the cap on the coolant fluid. Your car may be smoking because of a lack of Charlotte Toyota car coolant. 

Step #5 Go to a gas station 

If all else fails and your car overheats still, then if you can drive to the gas station or Toyota of N Charlotte! Our auto service technicians can help get your car working again! 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte if your car overheats!

If your car overheats and you need some advice, then come talk to your auto service technicians! We can help get your car back in working order today! Just book an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road! Just take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville!