Does Turning on Your Car Heater Help with Engine Overheating?

Most modern vehicles have excellent cooling systems and heat sensors that keep the engine running in most weather conditions. However, some cars are always overheating despite these sophisticated cooling and heating systems. Different factors trigger engine overheating. Understanding why the overheating happens can help calm your nerves before you get the issue fixed by a mechanic. Some reasons for overheating include;

  • Cooling systems leak
  • Faulty radiator fan
  • Broken water pump
  • Defective gas gasket
  • Faulty CTS sensor

Getting the overheating fixed requires a thorough investigation by a certified mechanic. The broken component can then be repaired or replaced as per the mechanic's recommendation. You should always schedule regular service as per the manufacturer's advice to get your car heater components checked for any repairs. However, if you detect any issue before the recommended miles for service, get the car checked to void costly and avoidable repairs.

What if the Engine Overheats While Driving?

There are some basic signs to watch out for to detect an overheating engine. They include;

  • Burning smells
  • Thumping noises
  • High-temperature gauge reading
  • An excessively hot hood

Sometimes the engine may overheat while you are on the road, with no place for pulling over. When this happens, turn on the car heater. The heater taps into the car's cooling system and takes heat from the engine coolant to warm the air that is blown into the cabin. The coolant loses more heat in the radiator and is pumped back to the engine to get more heat. You can direct the hot air out of the cabin through the windows.

You can have the heater on until you get a safe place to pull over and switch off the car engine to let it cool. You can also pop the bonnet open and allow the heat to escape. Be sure to get the car inspected by certified mechanics after this and get a permanent solution to void further vehicle troubles.

An overheating vehicle can lead to major repairs, so preventing this instance with proper cooling system maintenance is key. If you need engine repair, don't hesitate to give our auto repair shop a call today!