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Your car’s engine is hot, which is why a working coolant system is so necessary to keep your vehicle running and to avoid needing emergency road service. It can be tempting to ignore temperature gauges, but doing so can cause catastrophic internal damage. Here’s what you should know about this issue. 

Why You Should Never Drive an Overheated Car 

Even if your car still has coolant, overheating can cause serious damage. Any leftover antifreeze can boil, causing damage to your radiator. Many parts of your engine — like hoses, seals, or cylinder heads — aren’t designed to withstand extreme heat. When hoses and seals start to blow, this can lead to serious leaks. As the heat warps your car’s cylinder heads, it can even lead to a blown head gasket. That can lead to coolant mixing with engine oil, an extremely costly repair that can total your car. And of course, there are all sorts of electrical wiring and sensors under the hood that can be damaged from the buildup of heat as well. 

What to Do When Your Car Overheats

emergency roadside serviceIf your dashboard warning lights tell you the car has started overheating, the most important thing to do is stop driving right away. Pull over somewhere safe and turn off the engine. Do not open the hood or attempt to put coolant in the radiator. The parts under the hood will be dangerously hot and can cause serious injuries; plus, the contents of your radiator may be highly pressurized and could blow if you break the seal. Once you’re safe and the car is turned off, call a professional mechanic and have the car towed. You should not attempt to drive again even after it has cooled off. 

 

C. L. Chase 24 Hour Towing & Recovery offers emergency road service and truck repair for the Camp Douglas, Oakdale, and Tomah, WI, area. Their courteous, reliable drivers offer heavy-duty towing, semi repair, and tire service, in addition to 24-hour emergency roadside service. Their top-notch salvage yard offers one of the largest selection of car and truck parts in the Midwest. For more information, call (608)427-6734 or visit them online

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