Jay's Kirkland Autocare, Kirkland Washington, AAA auto service provider

Tips on what to do if your engine begins to overheat...

car tips As the temperature outside rises, it becomes harder for your car's engine to keep its cool, especially in traffic. That's because as you drive, air flowing through the radiator carries heat away from the engine, helping it to cool down.

The best advice is to keep an eye on your engine's temperature gauge. If it begins to climb, here's what you should do:

	Try to get out of traffic and onto a road where you can pick up speed.
	If you can't escape the traffic jam, turn off the air conditioner and open the windows. The air conditioner makes your engine work harder.
	Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. That way the exhaust from the other vehicle doesn't add heat to your radiator.
	If the engine temperature continues to rise, turn your car heater to it's highest setting and turn on the fan. This will pull some of the heat away from the radiator.
	If all else fails and engine temperature rises into the danger zone, pull off the road immediately and call for help. Do not remove the radiator cap until the engine cools. The coolant is extremely hot and could be released, at great force because of the pressure present in the cooling system, causing severe burns.

The best way to prevent overheating is to have your vehicle's cooling system professionally inspected. A qualified service expert can help you beat the heat!