It seems counterintuitive, but overheating is a real danger for winter drivers. You might not think that your car would be capable of overheating when the temperature is below freezing, but that is definitely not the case.
If you do not want to end up stranded by the side of the road with an overheating vehicle, it helps to know why cars overheat in the winter. Knowing the reasons cars overheat in the winter can help you protect your vehicle, so you can get where you are going without worry.
Never Drive an Overheating Vehicle
One important note of caution – you should never drive a vehicle that is overheating. No matter where you are going or how close you are to your destination, you should pull off to the side of the road, raise the hood and call for help.
Driving a vehicle that has begun to overheat could result in severe damage to the engine and other components. This damage can be very costly to repair, and you should simply not take the chance.
Have You Checked Your Antifreeze?
If you cannot remember the last time you checked the fluid in your antifreeze reservoir, now is the time to do it. A lack of antifreeze is one of the most common culprits in winter overheating, but it is also the easiest to avoid.
Take a minute to lift the hood and check the antifreeze reservoir. If the level has dropped too low, top if off and check it again in a day or two. If the level has dropped again, you could have a leak in your radiator – one that Doc Motor Works will be happy to repair.
Debris Around the Radiator
As you drive, it is easy for leaves and other debris to accumulate around the radiator in your car. This accumulation of debris can block the airflow your vehicle relies on to stay cool, resulting in harmful overheating even in the cold winter months.
It is important to check the area around your radiator on a regular basis for debris. Taking a few minutes to remove this debris before you leave your parking space could prevent your car from overheating as you drive.
A Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can also cause your vehicle to overheat, so it is important to make sure your thermostat is functioning the way it should. If the temperature in your vehicle does not rise as you drive, a faulty thermostat could be to blame.
If you think your thermostat is not working the way it should, Doc Motor Works can check it for you. Just stop in or make an appointment and we can make sure your thermostat, and your entire vehicle cooling system, is working the way it should be.
No matter how strange it seems, vehicle overheating is a real problem in the cold winter months. If your vehicle overheats while you are driving, pull off to the side of the road, stop the engine, raise the hood and call Doc Motor Works for help.