Crain Ford of Little Rock

Feb 25, 2022
A blue and a red Ford EcoSport driving beside each other on the highway. | Ford dealer in Little Rock, AR.

Is your car overheating? Don’t stress. The qualified and experienced technicians at your Ford dealer will quickly determine the cause and expertly fix your vehicle’s overheating problem in no time at all.


Signs Your Car is Overheating

You will know your car is overheating when the engine temperature gauge is in the red. You will also hear a ticking sound coming from under the hood and might even get a whiff of leaking coolant or burnt oil. Your car will also overheat when there is not enough coolant and engine oil. Check under your car for telltale puddles to see if oil or coolant is leaking.

If you see steam or smoke pouring out from under the hood, it indicates that the engine is getting too hot. Whatever is causing your car to overheat, contact your Ford technician immediately for assistance.


The Causes of Overheating

A wide range of issues cause overheating to occur. It could be anything from low coolant, a broken thermostat, and poor airflow to leaks in the cooling system, a malfunctioning radiator fan, and blocked hoses. When your car overheats, it’s vital to get professional assistance. Ignoring overheating issues could lead to severe engine damage that will cost a bundle of cash to repair or replace. Contact your dealership ASAP to ask for help.


What To Do When Your Car Is Overheating

When you notice your car is overheating, avoid further damage with the following tips until your Ford technician fixes the problem.


Turn Off the A/C and Turn On the Heat

The moment you notice your car is overheating, switch off the air conditioner and turn up the heat. In doing so, you will pull the heat away from the engine.
 

Pull Over

When your car overheats, it’s best not to drive any further. You need to stop in a safe place and switch your car off to allow the engine to cool down. Wait 15 minutes or so before you pop the hood to avoid being injured by the steam.

Phone for Assistance

While you wait for your car to cool down, phone your dealership for assistance. Watch the temperature gauge, and when the temperature is back to normal, you can pop the hood.

Check the Coolant Level

If the coolant is low, top it off. You still need to get your car to your Ford technician to get it checked out thoroughly. You don’t want more damage to occur and fork out cash for costly repairs.

Switch the Engine On

Start the engine when the temperature is back to normal. Keep a watchful eye on the temperature gauge while driving to the dealership. If your car overheats again, pull over and contact your dealership to tow your vehicle.


How To Prevent Your Car From Overheating

Regular maintenance is essential to avoid overheating issues. That is why sticking to the factory prescribed maintenance intervals and relying on top-quality maintenance services are important. During a maintenance inspection, your Ford technician will check every system and component and ensure that all the fluids are topped off to the correct levels.

During maintenance services, issues will be detected early, and major repairs will be avoided down the line. The maintenance schedule and the recommended maintenance intervals are in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or you can speak to your Ford technician.

When your Ford overheats, the best cause of action is to contact your dealership as soon as possible and allow a qualified Ford technician to determine what is causing the problem. Contact Crain Ford of Little Rock today. Our team of highly-trained Ford technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.

Image via Ford.