Take These Steps if Your Car or Truck is Overheating

Do Not Drive!
Pull Over Immediately.
Call a Tow Truck.

The most important thing to know about an overheating vehicle is that it should not be driven until the underlying mechanical issue is resolved, and the engine is repaired. Attempting to drive an overheated car can put you and others in danger of an accident, plus cause further, possibly irreversible, damage to the engine. This can lead to costly repairs that could easily be avoided.

Continue below to learn details on how to deal with an overheated car engine on the road.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance Tow Truck Indianapolis Indiana
24 Hour Roadside Assistance Tow Truck Indianapolis Indiana 317-247-8484

Why You Should Never Drive With an Overheated Engine

Never attempt to drive a vehicle that is overheating.  Doing so poses several dangers to you and your passengers, and can also cause severe engine damage. As a result, you might require an entire engine replacement. Replacing or purchasing a new engine can be very expensive, which is why people turn to rebuilt engines in order to save some cash.

DO THIS IF YOUR CAR OR TRUCK STARTS TO OVERHEAT:

Stop driving and safely pull over as soon as your car engine begins to overheat. If smoke is bellowing out from underneath your hood, your car is no longer safe to drive, even if you top off the coolant. Instead, you will need to contact a local Indianapolis IN towing company to have your vehicle towed to the nearest auto repair shop for inspection and service.

Or…..

If your dashboard shows low levels of overheating, you may just need some more coolant. If you have some in your car, you can refill it on your own. First, let the engine cool completely. Stay in your car while you allow it to come to a safe, workable temperature. Once your engine has cooled, 10 minutes or so, safely exit your vehicle while watching out for oncoming traffic. Open your radiator fluid cap and pour in your antifreeze (coolant). Re-tighten the cap and be sure your hood is locked into place before starting up the ignition.

Letting the Engine Cool

In minor cases of overheating car engines, you may be able to let the engine cool completely and drive the car home yourself.  But if this is a far distance, it is safer for you, your car, and other drivers on the road, to have the car towed back by a towing company.

Have Your Vehicle Serviced ASAP

After contacting a local tow truck company, have them tow your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop, or the mechanic of your choice.  Some auto repair shops offer pickup and towing services, but these are not always free. Be sure to ask first because you are probably better off calling for professional tow truck service.

Maintaining Proper Coolant Levels

The most common reason why cars overheat is lack of coolant fluid, or antifreeze, in the engine.  Fortunately, this is a simple issue that can be resolved with a quick refill. Do not attempt to check the car’s radiator fluid while the engine is warm. This can be very dangerous and can cause serious burns and other injuries. When the vehicle is cool, be sure the car is on level ground, so you are getting accurate reading levels.

Did your car break down on the side of the road and now you need some help? Contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. Request a free estimate, anytime!

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When Do I Need to Replace the Coolant in My Car?

Engine coolant goes by many names, including radiator fluid, radiator coolant, or antifreeze. No matter what you call it, engine coolant is one of the most vital car fluids for any vehicle. It is a combination of antifreeze and water (usually a 50/50 mix), and serves a number of purposes for a car. First, it runs through a vehicle’s radiator to remove any excess heat and prevent the engine from overheating. Next, since it contains antifreeze chemicals, it prevents it from freezing up in cold temperatures. But also, engine coolant prevents corrosion and works as a lubricant to the water pump and other internal workings.

So as you can see, radiator fluid is very important for a car or truck to operate safely and effectively. Continue reading to learn when your vehicles engine coolant should be changed, as well as, factory car maintenance scheduling, and more!

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24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Radiator Fluid Flushes

Changing or replacing the radiator fluid in your vehicle is referred to as coolant flush. Regular coolant flushes are vital for your vehicle because it inhibits corrosion, prevents over-heating, and provides lubrication to the internal workings of your engine’s water pump, radiator, and heater core. See our blog, “How to Diagnose Your Car’s Overheating Engine” to learn how to identify such engine problems.

To properly identify when your coolant is dirty, you must first know what the color of the fluid is when brand new. The primary colors of engine coolant are yellow, orange, green, and black. Check the color of your radiator fluid once every week. When this color starts to change, you know it’s time to change your radiator fluid. But the most noticeable sign that it is time to replace the coolant is when your engine starts to overheat. The temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard will tell you how hot the engine is getting, and if you start to see smoke, it’s gone too far!

Never operate a vehicle with an overheating engine. Not only is this extremely dangerous, it causes significant damage to the engine. This can result in a costly repair, engine replacement, or even a totaled vehicle. As soon as you are aware your engine is overheating, take it to an auto so immediately and have it serviced.

All fluids should be changed, flushed, and replaced regularly for all vehicles. The general factory car maintenance schedule is every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This includes motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and in some cases, even transfer case lubricants. But engine coolant does not need to be replaced this often. Most manufacturers suggest flushing the coolant every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or once every 2 to 3 years. But if you are driving in hot climates or long distances regularly, then once per year is a better schedule.

Struck on the Road With Car Engine Problems in Indianapolis?

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Central Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! Request free estimates, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

How to Diagnose Your Car’s Overheating Engine

If your car engine is overheating on a regular basis, it is time to stop driving, and start figuring out what’s causing the problem. It is important to address an overheating engine issue as soon possible; because the longer your engine experiences these issues, the more damage they will cause overtime. Worst of all, these damages will lead to costly engine repairs or full-on motor replacement. You can easily avoid these financial woes by simply addressing an engine problem when it becomes apparent to you. This can literally save you thousands of dollars.

Start by learning the most common causes for overheating motors, and then take some time to think about your driving habits. From there, you can make the necessary adjustments to get your car safely back on the road. Continue reading to do just that!

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Top 3 Causes for Overheating Engines

❶ No Coolant

This is the number one cause for an engine that has begun to overheat. Always be sure to keep a spare bottle of coolant, also known as radiator fluid, in your trunk. If your vehicle gets low on a particularly long road trip or hot day, you can top off your radiator with more coolant. If more coolant works at first, but later the engine overheats again, you could have a coolant leak. Although more fluid solves the immediate problem, it is a sign that your vehicle probably needs some other types of fluid refills and flushes, including brake fluid, motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and more.

❷ Defective Coolant Fan

Sometimes you have enough coolant, but the fan is not working properly. When the coolant fan is not running, it will not cool down the coolant running through the radiator and engine like it is designed to do. This is generally caused by a faulty fan motor, but can also be caused by a bad radiator switch. If your car engine begins to overheat, you can lift your hood and take a look at your coolant fan to see if it is running or not. They are usually located right on or near the radiator.

❸ Broken Fan Belt

Like your coolant fan, your engine’s fan belt plays a major role in controlling temperature. It is one of the most common causes of a reoccurring overheating engine. The worst part about a broken fan belt is that it is often a first indication of other engine malfunctions and needed engine repairs. Most people can tell they have a broken fan belt by simply looking at their engine from under the hood.

Monitor Your Driving

To better figure out what’s causing the overheating, think about the type of driving you are doing when it occurs. Is your car engine overheating at stoplights or on the highways at high speeds? This information can give you clues as to why your car overheats.  If the vehicle is overheating during an idle or stopped position, this could point to the electric cooling fan motor. This component is located near the radiator. To check for faultiness, run the vehicle’s air conditioner and listen for the fan to start. If the fan doesn’t turn on, it may be from a faulty sensor or the fan in general. If your car is overheating at high speeds, it could be anything from a kinked radiator hose to a defective thermostat. 

Stranded Due to Car Engine Problems in Indianapolis?

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Central Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! Request free estimates, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Tips for Protecting Your Transmission When Towing Heavy

When a vehicle is towing a heavier load, it usually does so at lower speeds. This combination causes the vehicle’s engine to use more power (torque) to get the job done. In order to combat automotive transmission damage to a vehicle when towing a heavy load or cargo, you must adhere to some fundamental towing guidelines.

Continue reading to learn some tips that will help you ensure your transmission remains protected while towing heavy freights.

24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484
24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Manual vs. Automatic Transmission

The style in which you tow a heavy load will mostly depend on the type of transmission your towing vehicle uses, and the weight of your freight. If your towing vehicle has an automatic transmission, you will need to install a towing package. Another option for automatic transmission towing is to install a transmission fluid temperature warning that will inform you if your transmission or coolant gets too hot. If you are operating on a manual transmission, driving up hills and similar feats will be easier to manage, as they won’t heat up the radiator fluid too much. Be sure to refer to your owners’ manual for information for your towing vehicle’s specifications and manufacturer recommendations.

Transmission Overheating

Transmissions tend to overheat when being used in first and second gear, like in the instance of hills and stopped traffic. They can also overheat in 3rd or 4th gear at high speeds, such as interstate driving. If this happens, the torque converter lock might disengage, so you will have to engage the overdrive cancel feature. To prevent overheating, keep your engine above 3000 RMP’s when climbing a hill, and simply downshift from there as necessary. Also, if you are stuck in traffic, be sure to use the break, and do not scoot along the whole time.

Never drive a vehicle that is overheating. This can cause major damages to the engine, and possibly lead to an entire engine replacement altogether. Replacing or purchasing a new engine can be very expensive; which is why people turn to rebuilt engines in order to save some cash.  Stop driving and safely pull over as soon as your car engine begins to overheat. Then contact a local towing company to have your vehicle towed to the nearest auto repair shop for inspection and service.

Where to Find Professional Towing Assistance

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Will My Car Overheat in Hot Weather?

When the Indiana heat index reaches extremely high temperatures in the summer, many of us start to have concerns about health and safety. As a result, we take certain precautions to ensure we are not at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious heat-related illnesses and conditions.

However, there is one thing we tend to overlook when it comes to protecting ourselves in hot weather, and that is our vehicles. Not only can the hot summer sun and climate affect the performance and safety of your car, it can also put you in a dangerous position if your vehicles breaks down.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about driving in hot weather, including what to do if your car overheats or breaks down on a hot summer day.

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24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

Cars and Hot Weather

A car will overheat if it is operated in excessive sun and high temperatures. As the outside temperatures increase, so does the rate at which your car engine produces and retains heat. As a result, engines can quickly become too hot and stop functioning properly. Also, if your car overheats on a hot summer day, you can be subjected to your own set of health and safety risks, especially if you do not have access to water or air conditioning. This is even more dangerous for children and individuals with existing health conditions.

What To Do if it Happens to You

Operating a vehicle that is overheating is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.  Instead, if your car or truck overheats, your first step is find a safe spot to pull over immediately. Once you are safely pulled over to the side of the road, turn off your ignition and wait for your car to cool down enough to check the coolant. If your coolant (antifreeze) is low, top it off with the extra bottle you hopefully carry with you at all times. See our blog, “What to Put in Your Summertime Roadside Emergency Kit” to learn what you should have on hand.

If your car cools down enough to start it back up, do so, but without the AC on. The air conditioning uses a lot of energy, so instead, drive with the windows down until you reach your destination. In fact, it helps to put your heat on max; although very uncomfortable, it will pull heat away from your engine and cool it off. If your car will not cool down, contact a local Indianapolis tow truck for assistance. You do not want to be sitting in a hot car in hot weather for too long, as this is extremely dangerous.

Call an Emergency Tow Truck in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt, 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed towing and recovery division retains an extensive fleet of over 35 tow trucks and wrecker equipment, allowing us to assist drivers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, rain, snow, or ice. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

3 Things You Should NEVER Do When a Car Engine Overheats

An overheating car could be caused by a variety of reasons.  It could be a broken radiator, a kinked radiator hose, a faulty thermostat, and maybe even a lack of coolant.  There are many more reasons as well.  No matter what the cause, if you are ever in a similar situation, there are three major things you should never do while your car is still hot or overheating.

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24 Hour Roadside Assistance & Towing 317-247-8484

❶ NEVER Continue Driving

When you first notice that your vehicle is overheating, it is crucial to pull over and stop the car immediately.  An overheating car should never be driven.  This can be very dangerous.  Wait until your car is entirely cooled down before starting the engine again.

❷ Never Check Radiator Fluid

Checking your fluid levels in your radiator when the car is overheating is simply asking for trouble.  It can be extremely dangerous.  There is a lot of pressure built up beneath the radiator cap.  Boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, potentially burning and injuring anyone in its path.  Determine whether or not you are on an inline for accurate fluid readings.  If the car is not level, the fluids cannot be level.

❸ Never Use Cold Water

When a car’s engine has overheated, do not put cold water in the vehicle.  Not only can this damage the engine block and cause it to crack, it can lead to other severe auto damages and costly repairs.  Let a car cool down completely, as mentioned earlier, before tending to an overheated engine.

Causes for Overheating Engine

The most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant! If you use the improper coolant concentration in your vehicle, you can definitely expect it to overheat at some point. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for proper cooling operation. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper coolant concentration recommended for your make and model car or truck. If you don’t have your owners’ manual, look online for a replacement copy. You can download one for free by visiting your vehicle’s manufacturer website.

What You SHOULD DO

First and foremost, always be sure to let the engine cool down completely before opening the hood. Now, since the most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant, always keep a bottle of radiator fluid in your trunk so that you can be prepared in the case of an emergency. If you are stuck on the side of the road with no one to call for help, contact a local 24 hour roadside assistance tow truck for help.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Towing & Recovery 317-247-8484

Why is My Car Engine Overheating?

You’re driving, you see the temperature gauge going up, and you start to panic. This is sound familiar? An overheated engine can be foreseen, but it can also be unexpected. That is because there are several reasons that can cause a car engine to overheat. But overall, the reason why a car engine overheats is because something has obstructed that the cooling system’s ability to absorb, transfer, and dispel heat. Continue reading for a closer look at the common causes of overheating car engines.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance 317-247-8484

Improper Coolant

The most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant! If you use the improper coolant concentration in your vehicle, you can definitely expect it to overheat at some point. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for proper cooling operation. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper coolant concentration recommended for your make and model car or truck. If you don’t have your owners’ manual, look online for a replacement copy. You can download one for free by visiting your vehicle’s manufacturer website.

Cooling System Leaks

If your cooling system has only, it will also cause your car to overheat. Common spots for leaks include hoses, radiator, thermostat housing, head gasket, heater core, water pump, cylinder heads and block, automatic transmission oil cooler, and freeze plugs.

Obstructed Coolant Lines

When the flow of radiator fluid is obstructed, it can’t do its job. Things like rust, sediment, and dirt can block cooling system lines entirely, or decrease their flow. This of course eliminates the vehicle’s ability to control the temperature of the engine. The solution to this problem would be a routine coolant flush and fill.

Faulty Thermostat

If your car has a bad thermostat, it can prevent the flow of coolant. The thermostat is a heat-sensitive valve that opens and closes in response to the temperature of the engine. If it gets stuck in the closed position, the cooling is blocked from passing through and doing its job.

Defective Radiator

When a radiator is not working properly, it can also cause a car engine to the heat. That is because the radiator is where coolant temperature is reduced. When the radiator is defective, and cannot cool down the fluid, thus causing the engine to get too hot. Leaks and clock for the most common radiator problems.

Additional Causes:

Faulty Water Pump
Loose Fan Belt
Broken Fan Belt
Defective Radiator Fan
Worn Hoses
Burst Hoses
Low Coolant

Unexpected Car Engine Troubles?

Zore's Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Zore’s Towing Indianapolis 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for affordably-priced 24 hour emergency roadside assistance in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We offer 24 hour service, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Regardless of your roadside assistance needs, we are fully-equipped and always on-duty to help. Choose from fuel delivery, lockout service, jump starts, and more. Call 317-247-8484 when you need fast Indianapolis roadside assistance you can trust!