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Understanding the Dangers of Overheating an Engine08.20.2012 | Okan Sengullu

It happens to most car owners at one point or another: an overheated engine. Your engine can only take so much heat, and when the system that controls engine temperatures fails, you’re in big trouble if you keep driving. Here are some things that can happen if you drive on an overheated engine:

Busted Hoses

If your car is overheating and there is still coolant in the hoses, the antifreeze will start to boil and expand. When this happens, pressure will build within the hoses until they eventually break loose from the various engine connection points. The extremely hot coolant that spews all over the engine can cause a huge mess and can damage some of the more sensitive engine components.

Warped Cylinder Heads

Cylinder heads are often made of aluminum, a metal which melts under intense heat. If you continue to drive an overheated car, you run the risk of warping your cylinder heads. This result is decreased power, misfiring, and excessive oil burning. However, cylinder heads aren’t the only things in your engine that can melt; other components like sensors, belts, and wiring are also at risk.

Broken Head Gasket

A blown head gasket is one of the most devastating dangers you face from an overheated engine. When the head gasket blows, engine coolant begins to mix with oil. The oil and coolant mixture is sent through the various parts of your engine, causing severe damage to the transmission and other expensive engine components. One common sign of a blown head gasket is thick white smoke coming out of a car’s exhaust.

Bucaro Brothers Auto Care has been Chicago’s source for quality auto repair sine 1976. Come see us if you have suffered engine damage from overheating or if you want to have your car checked for leaks before setting out on your next big road trip. We can also take care of any other auto service needs, including brake repair and oil changes. Give us a call at (773) 570-4541 for more information on our auto repair services.

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