With a long California stretching out in front of me my mind has been turning increasingly to thoughts of grand adventure and fun. I want to go camping, to visit relatives and friends in every corner of the state and maybe even cruise on down the coast and spend a couple days lounging on a warm beach or goofing around at Disneyland. Before embarking on any adventure though, it is important to make sure your car is in good working order. In the hot summer we have to be especially careful to avoid overheating our cars. The last thing anyone wants is to be stranded at the side of a road far from home in the blazing sun. An overheated engine is not only bad for your car, but terrifically inconvenient. In summer, when heat exposure can cause illness and discomfort, a roadside breakdown can even be hazardous to your health.

So, what can you do to avoid overheating your engine? Well, Anything that can interfere with your cooling system’s ability to transfer and discharge heat can cause your car to overheat. Make sure your hoses are not brittle or cracked, and that you have no coolant leaks (if your car is leaving any mysterious stains on the driveway it is a good idea to check them out before going on a road trip). Check to make sure the car’s fan is operable, that there are no signs of corrosion on the radiator. Make sure that your radiator cap fits tightly, a loose cap can lead to lost coolant and a loss of pressure in the system. Check to make sure the coolant levels are correct and inspect the coolant for oil, sediment, or muck. Dirty coolant can indicate corrosion of the radiator, or that you are in need of a radiator flush. Failure to take care of either problem could lead to an overheated engine.

According to the U.S. Department of transportation, cooling system failures are the number one cause of roadside breakdowns. So before you go on your road trip make sure to check out your radiator, fan assembly and hoses. It might save you from a breakdown, or prevent the engine damage that can be the result of a cooling system failure.

-Emily