Summers in most parts of India is an excruciating time for not just people but machines too. During the peak summers, many vehicles break down due to the excessive heart in the atmosphere. Particularly the engine is the most affected part of a vehicle in summers.
With soaring high temperatures breaking records this year, it is important to know how to keep your car cool. After all, the engine is the heart of a vehicle. In this article, we have compiled a list of hacks to prevent your car engine from overheating in summer.
Use tinted glass or sun blinds
A simple way to prevent the heat from entering the cabin is tinting the car windows. Although using a dark tint on glasses is prohibited, one can opt for lighter shades which prevent the heat penetration to a large extent, keeping the cabin cool. Another viable alternative is using sun blinds/shades for the windows, keeping cabin temperature optimum.
Many premium cars come factory-fitted with this feature, but it can also be bought and installed at the aftermarket. Both these options are useful in keeping the harmful UV rays of the sun at bay.
Pull up car and park in shade
When the engine gets extremely hot, it makes good sense to pull up the car and park it in the shade. Then the bonnet needs to be opened so that the heat trapped in and around the engine is swayed away by the breeze, cooling down the engine. The car needs to stay put for around 30 minutes, giving ample time for the engine to cool down.
Switching the AC off
On a hot summer day, turning off the air conditioner (AC) will be the last thing on anyone’s mind but that might actually prevent the engine from overheating. When the ambient temperature is way above normal, the AC has put in added work to cool down the cabin, thus putting added pressure on the engine.
Turning on the heater
This might sound like a big ‘No’ but turning on the heater will take the heat away from your engine, giving it a chance to breathe. Though, it will make it uncomfortable for those inside the cabin.
Refill engine coolant
Before the summer sets in, it is a good practice to top up the engine coolant to optimum levels since the radiator is working more frequently when the temperatures are higher. Coolants perform a very crucial task of carrying away the engine heat and dissipating them into the atmosphere through the grille. Always use a recommended coolant for the vehicle. If coolant isn’t available top it up with an antifreeze or water as a temporary measure.