What is the Overheating Telling You?

The wintertime is the time for freezing temperatures, snowballs, and hot cocoa. It is also the time to make sure your car is in good condition to make it through those months. Contrary to popular belief, a car can experience overheating in the winter. What makes a car overheat in the winter? If your car is running hot, the best time to assess the problem is before your car becomes immobile. There are several things you can check to determine the cause of the excessive heat and if you know what to do about them, you will not have to worry about being stranded on the side of the road.

Check Your Coolants

The first thing you should do is check your coolant levels. If your levels are low, then this may be the cause of the overheating. The radiator is not an easy piece of equipment in which to check fluid levels, but you will be able to see, with some stretching, how much coolant you have. Do not just depend on the amount you see in the overflow reservoir. Make sure that the car is completely cold before you check this part of the car. If the level is low, try adding more coolant. You can add a mixture of one part coolant to one part water, or you can buy the pre-made coolant that can be poured straight from the container. If you have to keep adding fluid, or you notice bright green or bright red liquid on the ground underneath your car, then you may have a leak. Take your car to ASE master mechanics to have the cooling system tested for leaks. 

An Idling Problem

If you notice that the car is overheating while you are idling, then you may have a problem with the cooling fan. The cooling fan is part of the cooling system and it provides air circulation across the radiator when the car is traveling at low speeds and when it is idling. Sensors that regulate the engine temperatures control the fan. It can adjust the needs of the engine if there is an addition of weight in the vehicle. When it senses that the engine is working harder to pull extra weight, it provides additional ventilation for the increased heat given off by the engine. You can check the fan by turning on the air conditioning. The fan for the air conditioner and the cooling fan are powered by the same source.  

The Need for Speed and Feeling the Heat

If you are overheating while you are traveling at high speeds, you have a different set of problems. You should make sure that you are getting proper airflow and coolant circulation. Make sure that there are no kinks, holes, or twists in the hoses. If you find any of those things, have the offending pieces replaced. Check for any holes or clogs in the radiator. You can have your mechanic take care of this for you, as cleaning out a clogged radiator is tedious work. You would have to remove the radiator and completely disassemble it before you clean it. You should also check for a stuck thermostat. If the thermostat is stuck in the closed position, it can block air from getting to the engine. If the top of the radiator hose does not feel hot when engine warms up, then the thermostat is stuck closed. If you suspect that it could be multiple things that are causing your car to overheat, you should take it in for a winter safety inspection by an ASE master mechanic.

Fast Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency in Your Car

With the winter months approaching, people are looking for ways to save money and cut their energy usage. Winterizing your home can help you save money on heating bills, and it is a wise investment in your home. You can have the same relationship with your car. There are some fast and quick things you can do to help you save money at the pump and to increase fuel efficiency in your car. Minor changes to the outside and inside of your car as well as your driving habits can make a difference on your car and your wallet. You will not only save money on fuel costs, you will also save money on car repair costs.

Outside of the Car

A common item of the car overlooked by many people is the tires. Make sure that you have the right tire pressure for your car and tires. You will usually find a sticker on the inner doorjamb of the car that has the tire size and inflation size recommended by the manufacturer. Do not overinflate the tires because it could make the car more difficult to handle from the excessive vibrations. Over-inflation could also cause the tires to burst. You should make sure that all tires have the same tread pattern and if you replace the tires, replace all of them at the same time. Make sure that the tires have proper alignment so that your steering will be more precise. You should also check your suspension system and make sure that your shock absorbers, springs, and struts are in good condition. Check your brakes and make sure you have good brake pads installed. Replace any worn pads and check for any leaks or weak spots in the brake lines. Check your headlights and make sure they provide good lighting for driving at night and during inclement weather.

Inside of the Car

Under the hood, check the air, oil, and fuel filters. Make sure that they are clean and in good condition. A dirty air filter can increase the acceleration time of a car. Any increase in acceleration means an increase in fuel needed for the increase in speed. The air and oil filters should be changed each time you change the oil. A dirty fuel filter will allow dirt and debris to clog the fuel injectors. It is a good idea to make sure that your gas tank is over half-full at all times during the winter. If the tank is full, it will keep sediment from clogging up the fuel lines. 

Think Light and Go Slow

Driving at a slower speed not only saves fuel, it can also prevent an accident. Limit your idling time as much as possible and do not let your car warm up. Newer model cars do not need any warming up and older cars only need a warm-up of no longer than a few minutes. Letting a car idle and warm up is wasting fuel and it is not necessary. Try to keep your loads light. A heavy load, such as heavy furniture or towing a small watercraft, makes the engine work harder and uses more fuel. The only items that should remain in your car are the things that are in your winter safety kits, such as a few blankets, first aid kit, and flashlights. The small tasks you can implement right away will have savings in your wallet and a good running car in your garage.