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6/7/2022
It’s no secret that extreme heat can take a toll on your car; hence the importance of dealing with an overheated engine effectively; to that end, read this post by Synthetic Motorsports in Perry.

Your engine needs to stay at an optimal temperature range to run as expected; still, numerous problems could cause your engine to build up the heat (such as problems with the cooling system or the fuel pump). For most cars, the ideal engine temperature range sits between 190 and 220 degrees, so, if the temperature rises above that range, the fluids could burn and lose their properties; on top of that, some materials could even melt (mainly the pistons’ aluminum and the head gaskets’ rubber). Considering the risks associated with an overheated engine, it’s of utmost importance to learn how to face this problem; thus, this post by Synthetic Motorsports will take you through the tell-tale signs of overheating and which steps to follow when dealing with such a problem. If you are interested in this topic, continue reading.

Keeping your vehicle well-maintained is essential to reduce the chances of dealing with an overheated engine. Reach out to the oil pros at Synthetic Motorsports to find the best motor oil formula for your machine. Call them at (888) 563-5143 or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Perry.

Warning Signs of an Overheated Engine

Overlooking the warning signs of an overheated engine could lead your car to shut down and require expensive repairs, hence the importance of learning the typical tell-tale signs associated with temperature problems inside your engine compartment. If you want to detect an overheating problem promptly, pay attention to the following signs:
  • Temperature gauge: The most reliable way to tell if your engine is overheating is by looking at the temperature gauge displayed on your dashboard. This gauge has a needle that usually sits in the middle as it indicates proper engine temperature; however, once it rises above the center, it could cause concern as it shows the heat is building up. Considering the importance of this gauge, make sure to pay attention to it whenever you are driving.
  • Steam coming out from the hood: If you ever notice a cloud of white, vapor-like smoke coming out of your engine, it most likely means that the coolant is evaporating due to overheating. When this happens, it's usually when the radiator has an issue and cannot drop the coolant's temperature; hence, the coolant surpasses its boiling point, burns, and evaporates.
  • Sweet smell: The sweet smell of burnt syrup might be nice; however, it’s not a good sign if it comes out of your engine, as it most likely means the coolant is burning due to a faulty cooling system.
  • Weak Engine Performance: If, while driving, your vehicle suddenly shuts down or struggles to accelerate, it may be telling you that the engine block is overheating. When this happens, it's usually because the heat inside the engine is burning the fluids. For instance, when the heat takes a toll on the motor oil, the fluid's viscosity becomes thinner, losing its ability to lubricate the engine. Similarly, excessive heat may negatively impact fuel, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and more critical fluids.

If you want to switch to the most reliable synthetic oil in Perry, visit AMSOIL's online store and become familiar with the full line of top-shelf products and lubricants for your vehicle's preventive maintenance. To get more information about the formulas, speak with an AMSOIL expert at Synthetic Motorsports by phoning them at (888) 563-5143.

What to Do if Your Engine Starts to Overheat

You now know about the signs indicating that the temperature in your engine is rising above its optimal range. The next thing you should learn is which steps to take after coming clear that your vehicle is overheating; to that end, here’s what you should do:
  1. First, stop your car. Driving with an overheated engine can potentially destroy your vehicle; hence, make sure to pull over at a safe place as soon as you notice your engine is raising its temperature.
  2. Given that your engine is overheating, its temperature might sit around 250 degrees or above; hence, the next step you must take is to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes for the engine to cool down.
  3. As soon as the engine temperature drops, open the hood. But first, make sure that the temperature gauge’s needle has gone down; that way, you can be sure that touching the hood is safe and you won’t burn.
  4. After opening the hood, check the cooling system’s radiator and hoses. To do this procedure safely and efficiently, follow the instructions described in your owner’s manual. The main thing is to ensure that the hoses are free from obstructions and that the radiator’s fan is not broken.
  5. If everything looks good with the radiator and hoses, check coolant levels; if there’s not enough coolant in the reservoir, that might be the issue; hence, top up the reservoir and watch the temperature indicator to notice if it rises again.
  6. Lastly, have your vehicle checked by your trusted mechanic. Although an overheated engine is a common problem among cars, it can become a serious and expensive problem if overlooked; hence, make sure to have your coolant system inspected, and your engine serviced.

The continued use of AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil helps to keep your vehicle safe and efficient to drive. Click here to explore the full line of AMSOIL lubricants and find the right formula for your car. Don't forget to call Synthetic Motorsports at (888) 563-5143 to learn more about the most effective synthetic oil in Perry.