Traffic chooses no time or season. Whether it’s summer or the holidays, you’re bound to spend a lot of time sitting in traffic. And if there’s one thing that engines don’t like, it’s idling for long periods without much breathing room.
Overheating is one of the most common breakdowns out there. Not only is it a hassle, but repeated instances will damage vital engine components and eventually lead to total failure.
Of course, it’s something we want everyone to avoid, so here are five simple tips to prevent it in the first place.
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Check your fluids and filters
Admittedly this is a given, but it’s something many seem to overlook. With the way modern cooling systems work now, engines are more resilient in strenuous conditions. But it won’t be as effective if the parts to keep it cool aren’t in tip-top shape.
Which is why it’s always crucial to check fluids, particularly the coolant levels. Don’t skip your oil changes, either, as sludgy oil adds strain to then engine. The same goes for clogged and dirty air filters. Remember, the more work an engine has put it, the hotter it runs.
Distilled water is your friend
One of the common reasons why cooling systems fail are clogs. Which is why it’s recommended to use distilled water instead of tap water. Tap water contains minerals that forms lime scales inside the radiator. As distilled water doesn’t have minerals, it keeps the innards of the radiator clear and free of blockages.
While we’re on the subject of water, it’s crucial to get the coolant mix right. Too little and it won’t be effective, while too much can accelerate corrosion. But even before you put them together, remember: Distilled is the key.
Clear out your radiator
Sometimes bits of debris get caught on the surface of the radiator. These bits (leaves, small plastic bags, etc.) that somehow managed to get past the grille car get stuck there and reduce the effectiveness of the radiator. To prevent that, clear out the front of the radiator once in a while to prevent heat from getting trapped there. It’s nothing a high-pressure hose can’t fix.
Maintain your air-conditioning
As we mentioned, more load on the engine means more heat. A car’s air-conditioning system adds quite a bit, and the higher the setting, the more the engine components have to work. The moment you feel your air-con isn’t blowing as cold as it once did, it’s time to either give it a clean, or recharge it with refrigerant. That way, you can keep compressor speeds low and put the engine through less stress.
Yes, flushing helps
But even if you do all the things that were mentioned above, gunk, rust, and buildup will eventually catch up with any cooling system. With that in mind, flushing can delay that process and prolong the life of your radiator. Flushing not only gets rid of the old fluid, but also flushes out deposits that could clog up the cooling system.
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