What the driver when the engine suddenly began to boil?

Standing on a road car with an open hood and clouds of steam from under him. Summer motorists a picture quite often. What to do in such a situation? In this article, we'll explain why the engine boils, how to avoid and what to do if it is still too hot.

The reasons boil automobile engine

You've got to understand that the boiling is not the engine, and antifreeze - coolant used in it. A motor may overheat only. Of course, bring to the boil antifreeze is difficult - the temperature should rise above 130 & deg; C, that the high pressure inside is very difficult to achieve. The optimal temperature for the engine operating mode is 80 & ndash; 90 & deg; C. That is, if it warms up to 20 & ndash; 30 & deg; C, this will not be enough to boil antifreeze

So what, then, can cause the formation of a pair of clubs, escaping from under the hood? Explanation is quite simple: the antifreeze as a result of temperature increase greatly expands the radiator tank becomes full, some of the liquid spills out, falling directly on incandescent engine and other elements. This also leads to a sharp drop in pressure, the cooling system is protected from potential boiling. And if it enters the engine compartment, antifreeze boils at a temperature of about 100 & deg; C, almost like water. Naturally he starts actively evaporate - hence the pairs

What can cause the engine to overheat?

Among the main causes of car engine overheating are the following:

Lack antifreeze. If the system is little coolant to provide effective cooling of the motor may rapidly boil, typically antifreeze level drops due to leakage.
clogged radiator The honeycomb radiator can become clogged with insects, Tagged foliage, poplar fluff and other debris -. All this prevents effective heat dissipation
jammed thermostat. If the thermostat is not opened until the end, the only part of the radiator antifreeze will come, and this will be enough for normal cooling.
Pump broken or jammed. water pump impeller when using old or poor antifreeze will gradually wear down, it becomes the cause of deterioration of the antifreeze circulation. In addition, the pump may stop completely due to the breakage of the drive belt.
The failure of the cooling fan. With time, any item can be broken, and fan failure leads to problems in the cooling system.
Leakage in the cooling system. Most often this occurs because of the broken radiator cap. Although the reason may be that the cylinder head gasket blown or crankcase gases broke in.
The cooling system can not cope with their work. In some machines used by inefficient cooling system, which often leads to overheating, especially if the car is used very actively.

What do I do if the engine is overheating?

You've got to consider that course of action will depend on the cause of overheating. Of course, the problem often occurs suddenly and the driver at this point would not be to the comprehensive diagnosis, since the decision must be taken very quickly. The oven can be used and its performance as a universal indicator.

If the arrow on the dashboard showing the temperature of the engine, climbed sharply up, then follow the simple guidelines.

First of all, turn the stove so that it warmed the most. Of course, in the summer heat include heater unpleasant, but it is a very effective method for the rapid and safe engine cooling. The thing is that the stove - it's part of the automotive cooling system and when the heat takes over. That is what is required in case of overheating of the power plant.

And then maybe two versions of events:

Went hot air

If after the heating of the passenger compartment air ducts went hot air, then this indicates that the system contains antifreeze, and excess heat start successfully discharged. Note that in this situation do not have to turn off the engine: while it will continue to operate, the pump will also function, circulating antifreeze and let slowly, but the engine cooling

Dwell is not recommended, because the air flow will also facilitate cooling of coolant in the radiator and reduce the engine temperature. The best option - to continue the movement, slightly reducing the speed to minimize the load on the engine. Best of all, if you have to descend from the mountains, then you can simply roll coasting. If the front of the protracted rise, it is not necessary to force, then it is recommended to stop. Put the car on the side of the road, but do not shut off the engine, carefully open hood, oven, leave enabled at the maximum level. Themselves best exit area and wait until the engine temperature does not return to the normal range.

Went cold air

If after turning from the stove blew cold air - this is a very bad sign. Most likely, the system has no antifreeze or fluid level is extremely low. Only in this case you must immediately stop the car and turn off the engine. And then wait for it to cool down. It may take quite some time. Only after the cooling in the system can be topped up with anti-freeze. It is also recommended to show the car at the station masters, since such an adventure for the engine will hardly pass unnoticed.

This should never be done in case of overheating!

Many of the drivers in an emergency situation, and such also is the sudden boiling of the engine, make a lot of mistakes. So pay attention to the list of actions that can not be completed in the face of overheating of the motor, as they can seriously aggravate the situation and lead to negative consequences:

Open the radiator cap. Many of the drivers are confident that this will cool down faster. Open the radiator cap the boiled engine categorically NOT !!! Firstly, it is extremely dangerous: can be seriously burned. Since antifreeze inside is under high pressure, the boiling water when unscrewing the cover can start splashing fountain in different directions. Secondly, it will have no effect. Coolant under pressure within the system is less prone to boil. In sharp pressure while cooling will provoke not reset, but rather, local boiling of the coolant in the points.

Watering engine with cold water. This is often done, but can not, because it can lead to very unpleasant consequences. Remember that it is not necessary to pour water on a strongly heated engine - due to a sharp temperature drop its surface may crack. Repair then it will be very expensive.
Top up antifreeze or water into a hot engine. This process is very similar to the previous one. If the mix inside the radiator hot and cold liquid, this can cause damage and rupture of the metal honeycomb. Therefore, before you fill in in the engine any cold liquid, be sure to wait for it to cool down.

overheating prevention

As a general rule, for no reason the engine never overheats. Before you hit the road, check the machine:

Look at the condition of the radiator - it can be packed with leaves, dust or fluff. All too much, that would interfere with air circulation, it is necessary to carefully remove. Be careful not to bend any of the soft cell
Be sure to check the level of antifreeze, if it is small, then top up the coolant in the radiator and in the expansion tank.
While driving, always keep the engine temperature level. This will allow you to react quickly, even before the antifreeze boils, and to prevent serious damage.

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