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RICHMOND GERMAN AUTO REPAIR

What to Do When Your Car Overheats

Even the most proactive vehicle owner can find themselves dealing with a car that’s overheated on these hot summer Richmond days. It’s true that if you stay on a regular preventive maintenance schedule, not only will you save yourself money in the long run, you’ll significantly decrease the chances of ending up broken down on the side of the road.

Regardless, if it ever happens to you, make sure you know what to do to minimize the damage that’s already been done. The worst thing you can do is to keep driving it like nothing's wrong. 

Your best bet is to pull over immediately. The more you drive after it overheats, the more extensive the damage. Even so, stay safe and pull over in a good location and turn off the engine.

Don’t be in a hurry to open the hood. Wait until it’s completely cooled down. You may not be able to see that on your temperature gauge on the dash, so just don’t rush. 

Pull out your Owner’s Manual if you’re not sure how to check your coolant level in the radiator reservoir. This will let you know if you need to add more coolant into the radiator. 

If so, you’ll need to carefully remove the radiator cap. Don’t open if it’s hot or even warm to the touch. You’ll want to slowly twist the cap off with a towel if at all possible. Once you’ve filled it back up, don’t forget to put the cap back on properly. 

Check both the upper and lower radiator hoses to see if they are disconnected, split open, or blocked. If they are intact and the radiator now has enough fluid, go ahead and restart your engine.

Keep your eye on the temperature gauge and if it starts to heat up, get to another safe spot and pull over. Call for a tow if that’s what you need to do and get it into a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Do your best to always be prepared. Carry extra coolant in your car along with a solid tool kit, emergency kit, food, water, a flashlight, and anything else that might keep you safe if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. 

When you want to partner with a high-quality auto repair team for preventative maintenance and auto repair, bring your car into Bimmer Rescue and we will help you stay safely rolling down the road. Schedule an appointment today and our team will take great care of your vehicle. You’ll see why clients from Richmond, Short Pump, The West End, The Fan District, and surrounding areas have chosen Bimmer Rescue as their premier auto repair service. You’ll find us at 6401F Dickens Place in Richmond, VA 23230. We look forward to serving you soon!

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