If Your Engine Overheats
The pointer of your car's tempera-
ture gauge should stay in the mid-
range under most conditions. It
may go higher if you are driving up
a long steep hill on a very hot day.
If it climbs to the red mark, you
should determine the reason.
Driving with the temperature
gauge pointer at the red mark can
cause serious damage to your
engine.
Your car can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming from under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in neutral
or Park and set the parking
brake. Turn off the climate
control and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning
indicators.
2. If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood,
turn off the engine.
3. If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overload-
ing (climbing a long, steep hill on
a hot day with the A/C running,
for example), the engine should
start to cool down almost immedi-
ately. If it does, wait until the
temperature gauge comes down
to the midpoint then continue
driving.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
Steam and spray from an over-
heated engine cart seriously
scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
CONTINUED
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