It's Getting Hot in Herr

It's that time again. The time where we all work out and diet like crazy trying to get bikini ready by summer. I mean, who doesn't love that summer heat?

Your car. Your car doesn't always like summer heat. So, today's post is about what to look for and what to do if your car overheats.

Here is the number 1 sign your car is overheating - smoke coming from the hood of your car. Regardless of how advanced your car is, this is a telltale sign. Some cars will have check engine lights that come on, but some don't and if you fall into the latter category, then this is what you'll see:



See, even Nicole Richie and her Beemer can overheat, which means you can too.

The most common reason you car will overheat is because the coolant/antifreeze is low. So the other thing to pay attention to, if you'd like to avoid having your car smoke, is your temperature gauge. This does not always pick up if your engine is overheating, but is another good indicator.

A little note about antifreeze- check to see if your parked car is leaving any puddles of it. If you find liquid that's clear and scentless, like water, than it's probably a result of the AC and is fine. However, if the liquid has a greenish tint, then you've got a problem because now you're leaking antifreeze or coolant. Just think of it as ice cubes in your water. If you are leaking this stuff, then there is a high possibility that you could overheat. Regardless of whether or not you're leaking it, it's always a good idea to frequently check the coolant levels in your car during the summer to avoid the smoking car sitch.

So, what do you do if you're on the road and you haven't done any of this stuff and your car starts to smoke?

Step 1: Pull over and turn off the engine.

Step 2: If your hood is steaming DO NOT OPEN THE HOOD, IT WILL BE HOOOOTTTTT!

Step 3: After you've waited until it's cooled a little, grab a rag or something to protect your hands, when opening the hood, which might still be toasty.

Step 4: In order to check if your car is steaming because of overheating, check the coolant levels in your coolant tank first. You do this by locating the coolant reservoir, which looks like this:



Step 5: After locating the coolant reservoir, you'll be able to see lines that say full and low, etc. If the coolant level is low, then you're probably overheating.

Step 6: To be sure, use your rag and CAREFULLY unscrew the Radiator cap. If you do this too fast and it hasn't cooled down all the way then you could burn yourself with steam. If you're unsure, wait longer.

Step 7: Once you've unscrewed the radiator cap, look into the radiator and see if you can see any coolant. If you can't, then you are definitely overheating and need to add some coolant.

Step 8: If you're fortunate enough to be close to a gas station or at a home that has another car, check the type of coolant you need in your owner's manual, then go and pick up some coolant.

Step 9: Be sure it's properly diluted to 50% water 50% coolant. You can dilute it yourself or buy premixed coolant.

Step 10: If there is no coolant in your radiator you can add it directly to the radiator.

Step 11: Screw the cap back on and you're done.

Step 12: If you are close to a gas station and you've checked and you know your car is overheating, you can wait for the engine to cool a little and then start up the car again WITH THE HEAT BLASTING. This seems counterintuitive, but your heating and cooling system is directly tied to the fan that cools your engine and when the heat is blasting cooler air is circulating through your engine. This will allow you to limp slowly to a nearby gas station, but not too far.

There you have it! Pulling over with a steaming car will undoubtedly attract a cute, chivalrous man who will feel compelled to stop and help you. When he does, let him take off his shirt first before you impress him with your overheating knowledge of coolant ;)