If you’re seeing signs of overheating in your car, such as smoke appearing from under the hood, it could be due to overheating. With Singapore’s long spate of scorching weather, preventing your vehicle from overheating is important as it may cause lasting engine damage. Here are some ways to keep your car cool and out of trouble.

In a tropical country like Singapore, where daytime temperatures can reach the mid-30s, cars can easily overheat. While cars are generally designed to cope with raised temperatures, overheating – both in the engine compartment and passenger cabin – may happen if appropriate measures are not taken.

Regular Check-Ups

Regular checks for your vehicle are even more important when the weather is hot, as an ineffective cooling system can cause the car’s internal temperature to rise too much. Regular check-ups, which should include maintenance of the thermostat and ensuring your engine oil is fresh and healthy, ensure that the cooling system is in good order.

Cooling Measures

It’s prudent to check your car frequently for coolant leakage. A sure sign of this is the pooling of coloured liquid under your car – do not confuse this with water pooling under your car, which is the condensate from the air conditioning system. If there is coolant leakage, quick DIY fixes such as radiator sealants are easily available, but the best solution is to get it fixed at a car workshop.

Additionally, ensure your car’s coolant levels are topped up regularly, especially if it’s not included in your routine maintenance. Keep your cooling system in good condition by flushing it at regular intervals (consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended frequency). This is because coolant can break down over time, making it less effective in cooling your vehicle.

Throwing Shade

There’s a reason why there are usually vacant lots on the top deck of multi-storey car parks – it’s complete exposure to the sun. Parking in the shade not only keeps the temperature of the interior down so you don’t come back to a boiling passenger cabin but also reduces stress on the engine. Other perks of parking in the shade include preventing your car’s paint from fading, as well as limiting the amount of bird droppings!

However, if open-air car parks or spaces are your only option, do consider using car sunshades instead.

Create Airflow

It’s a good idea to wind down your windows just enough to create airflow (but not enough for thieving hands to gain entry) when your car is parked. This small act allows cross-ventilation, helping the car cabin stay cooler when parked. Of course, keep your windows tightly shut when it’s dark with clouds or already raining.

Avoid Traffic Jams

Heavy and slow traffic not only lengthens your time on the roads but can also stress your car’s cooling system, especially when you have to stop and start your vehicle frequently. Plan your route before setting off to lift the pressure off your cooling system.

If you’re stuck in heavy traffic for a prolonged period, you can consider switching the air-conditioner off to reduce engine stress and rely on good ol’ natural air circulation to keep cool instead.

Spread the Load

Driving with extra load can stress your car’s engine and cooling system, since it needs to work extra hard to cope with the added weight. If you need to transport heavy items, it would be better to make several trips instead of moving them all at once. It is also important that you take note of your vehicle’s weight limit by referring to the owner’s manual before attempting to move heavy items.

Already Overheated

If the temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard is approaching the red zone, or worse, if steam is billowing out from the hood, stop as soon as it’s safe and switch off the engine. To cool things down, pop the hood but be extremely careful – wait for at least fifteen minutes to allow the engine to cool down first, have protection around your hands, and ensure your face doesn’t get in the way of the hot steam escaping. Allow the car to cool for at least 30 minutes before driving it again.

You could check for the usual causes (e.g., low coolant level) or you could drive to the nearest petrol station or garage for help. However, if you’re worried of putting your car at risk of further damage, consider AA Singapore, which not only offers roadside and towing services but also provides technical advice, car maintenance tips, and driving guidance that can assist you.