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Take Care of Your Vehicle To Prevent Overheating

A photo of people looking at a car with the hood up.

How Do You Prevent Engine Overheating?

We have officially entered the summer driving season, even if we’re waiting for the calendar to catch up. One issue that can bring any trip to a quick end is an overheating engine. So, how do you prevent that from happening and ruining your adventure? The Davis Chevrolet service team put together a few ideas to help you avoid breakdowns. Ultimately, the best way to prevent breakdowns is to keep up with regular maintenance. Let’s take a closer look at what they found.

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Keep Your Engine Cool

A byproduct of operating any internal combustion engine is heat. There are a few systems available to dissipate the heat, including engine oil, antifreeze or engine coolant. The following things will help keep your engine running properly:

  • Stay on top of coolant levels. Drivers should always be looking out for leaks and other signs that coolant might be leaving the system. 
  • As always, stay on top of recommended maintenance. Just about every service appointment at Davis Chevrolet will include a thorough inspection of critical systems.
  • Stay current with oil changes. As oil breaks down, it loses its ability to keep engine components lubricated, allowing heat to build up and cause critical failures. 

How Do You Know An Engine Is Overheating?

Like anything else in the automotive industry, being able to recognize the signs of engine overheating will help minimize damage. If you notice any of the following symptoms, pull off the road, shut down the engine and contact assistance:

  • Temperature gauge spikes
  • Smoke/steam coming from the engine
  • Unusual sweet smells
  • Sudden loss of power
  • High-pitched whining
  • Griding sounds

If you’re planning a summer trip or it’s just time to bring your car, truck, or SUV to the Davis Chevrolet Service Department for regularly recommended maintenance, make an appointment today.