Blog Archives

What To Do If Your Car Overheats

4/20/2020

Today's vehicles have high-level cooling systems supplied with numerous heat sensors and computer-controlled electric fans crafted to keep your engine operating in any weather. But do you know what to do if your car overheats?

There are numerous reasons why the car could overheat. Parts such as gaskets, rubber hoses, and water pumps can get a leak with regular wear and tear. Certain driving conditions like daily rush hour traffic, put substantial stress on the cooling system, causing it to break down.

Luckily, you can typically avoid this issue with regular maintenance by a licensed mechanic. This professional will check your vehicle's oil and coolant levels. Your hoses, thermostat, fans, and other components of the cooling system get inspected too.

What to Do if Your Car Overheats:
Keep These Emergency Items to Keep in Your Trunk

Towels
Quarts of oil
Coolant
Small tool kit
Heavy-duty gloves

Steps to Take if Your Car Overheats:

1. Turn on The Heater

It sounds counterproductive but turn on the heater. It pulls warm air away from the engine and into the passenger side. This action reduces the burden on the engine's cooling system. Turning on the heather might be enough to stop the overheating.

2. Pull Over

If your car keeps overheating after you've been driving a few minutes, pull over and cut the engine off. It's the safest way to cool the engine. If you have roadside assistance, now is the time to call. You probably need an emergency towing service.

3. Add Coolant

After you've waited around 15 minutes and the hood is cool to the touch, add coolant. Then, put the cap back on and cut on the engine. If the red warning light goes out or the temperature gauge goes back to normal, you can drive your vehicle. Though, you need to keep an eye on the light or temperature gauge.

4. Head to A Service Station

Adding coolant does nothing to resolve the issue that made your engine overheat in the first place. You will want to drive safely to the closest repair station. An auto professional will examine your auto's cooling system. While driving, keep checking the temperature gauge. Contact us at Buffalo Roadside if your car starts giving you trouble.

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Battery?

4/6/2020

There is no feeling quite like that sinking one you get when you start your car up, and nothing happens. You do it again and again. Nothing happens. Then you know. Your battery is dead. Yes, it is one of the worst feelings on earth. But it is also avoided. You have to keep your ears and eyes open to recognizing the signs of a bad battery.

Signs of a Bad Battery:

Slow Engine Crank

It takes lots of energy to start a car. The battery creates all the energy. Once the vehicle is going, the alternator keeps the car battery running. When you put the key in your car, the battery is the only component starting the engine.

If the battery is fading out, you might notice that the engine cranks slower than average. You must pick up on that warning sign. If the engine does not crank at all, it will just click. You should get the battery tested and a new one if needed.

Electrical Components Problems

Besides powering the engine, the car battery must create enough juice to run all the different electronic parts in your car. In modern vehicles, there are several electronic accessories such as the radio, dashboard lights, power windows, power seats, windshield wipers, and headlights. All these parts are run off the electricity from the battery.

Warning Light

Numerous vehicles have a dashboard warning light. The light brightens when the battery doesn't refuel correctly. The warning light also means there is an issue with the alternator. If the light comes on, arrange to have a certified auto professional, examine it, and decide what the problem is.

Old Age

Usually, a car battery lasts about four years. This life expectancy changes based number of deep discharges or extreme temperature exposure. It is an excellent idea to get the car battery tested by an auto professional. If you are unsure of the age of the battery, you should be able to locate the manufacture date on the battery case.

Don't get stuck on the street with a bad battery. Contact us at Buffalo Roadside Assistance when you need a jump start.

Blog

What To Do If Your Car Overheats

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Battery?

Author

Archives

Categories