Tag Archives: overheating engine

The Check Engine Light Has Switched Itself On and I'm Worried That Further Driving Will Damage My Engine

The Check Engine Light Has Switched Itself On and I'm Worried That Further Driving Will Damage My Engine

The last thing you want is to damage your car while driving. But if you're in the middle of a highway and the check engine light comes on, what should you do? Will you damage the engine if you drive a few miles further to the next gas station? The answer to this question can be tricky. It's useful to know what kind of check engine light your car has. Is it just an orange light or is there a red one as well? Does the light flash when the situation is dire? Does the light stay constant when the issue does not require your immediate attention? Knowing how the check engine light functions in your car can help you understand what the car's diagnostic system communicates whenever it flashes or lights up. Check your car's manual to make sure you're familiar with its language. When the frightful check engine light does comes on, stay calm. Reduce your speed and inspect how your vehicle is performing. Use all your senses to reassess if there is something strange or dist ... read more

Why Does My Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush?

Why Does My Vehicle Need a Coolant Flush?

Too much heat presents a great challenge to motor vehicles. Thankfully, all vehicles have a measure to keep themselves cool. The car's engine has a cooling system aided by a coolant, a fluid that runs in the engine and transmits heat away from it. The coolant should remain clean for it to function effectively. Dirty coolant must be flushed out and replaced with a fresh one. But how do you know when your coolant needs flushing? To know this, be on the lookout for the following symptoms. Your Vehicle Overheats As stated above, the role of the coolant is to keep your engine temperatures low. If your temperature gauge is always on the higher side, it means the coolant is no longer performing its duty and needs flushing. An overheating engine can easily break down, resulting in costly repairs. A Maple Syrup Smell From Your Car (Engine) One sure sign that your coolant needs flushing is the smell of maple syrup, butterscotch, or pancakes coming from your engine. The ethylene glycol ... read more