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Steam coming from under the hood is a telltale sign a car is overheating. Luckily, there are steps you can take to safely and effectively prevent your engine from completely breaking down until you can take it to a radiator repair specialist. For over 30 years, the drivers of New Haven County, CT, have brought their cars to Branford Radiator Repair Service to maintain and fix their radiators. Here, their auto mechanics explain why engines overheat and what you can do if this happens to your vehicle.

Why Do Cars Overheat?

Your engine may overheat for a few reasons: leaking coolant, a failed water pump, blocked hoses, or a damaged radiator. To prevent it from experiencing issues, keep up with routine maintenance, replace your battery on a regular basis, park in the shade, and pay attention to the temperature sensor that warns you when the vehicle is too hot. 

What Should You Do if It Happens to You?

1. Pull Over

When you notice steam emitting from your hood, pull over in a safe area. If you need to drive further to find a good place, turn off your AC and turn up the heat. Using the air conditioner makes your engine work harder. Believe it or not, turning on the heat in your car allows warmth to be taken out of the engine and pushed into the interior of your vehicle instead.

2. Turn the Car Off

radiator repairOnce you reach a place to pull over, turn the car off right away to let it start cooling down. If steam is coming from the engine, do not try to open the hood manually. You can try opening it using the button on the driver’s side, but refrain from touching the hood to keep yourself from being burned.

3. Call a Professional

Keep the number of a 24-hour towing service or a radiator repair shop in your phone. Give them a call to let them know your location and the type of car you drive so they can bring the correct towing vehicle. Do not try to fix anything or find the source of the steam while you wait. There are numerous issues that can cause a vehicle to overheat, so it’s best to simply leave the work to the professionals to avoid further damage to your car.

Need help fixing a car that overheated? Give Branford Radiator Repair Service a call at (203) 488-7346. They’ve built a reputation based on high-quality customer service, competitive prices, and timely repairs. They specialize in radiators but also have expertise in brake work, oil changes, and other general maintenance services. Visit their auto shop online to learn more about how their experienced team will help you.

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