Avoid these common mistakes when driving a car in Spain.

The brutal heat of Spain’s summer wrecks cars every year. Discover the single most common overheating mistake drivers make — and how to protect your car before it melts down on the motorway like so many already have.

Why cars overheat (and what to do) in Spain’s hot summer?

The summer sun in Spain can turn motorways into molten tarmacs. Your car could meltdown before you know “roadside assistance.” Your engine works overtime to cool you down in temperatures that regularly exceed 40C. What’s going on under the hood? It’s a hellfire. The majority of cars can Take care of Every year, some people burn. It’s a real shock, as anyone who’s experienced it will tell you.

The extreme temperatures in your car’s engine are the reason why it overheats.

Your engine burns fuel in rapid-fire explosions, generating extreme heat — over 2,000°C inside the cylinders — as pistons pump and exhaust gases blast out at hundreds of degrees.

The cooling system is the unsung hero here. Who is the unsung hero? Coolant is a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze that circulates through hoses to absorb heat and release it through radiators while fans blast the air in summer. When the system works, it’s a pleasure to drive. When the system fails, you end up stranded with a cloud on steam along the hard shoulder.

What causes overheating in the body?

In theory, the cooling system in your vehicle is a closed circuit. Small cracks, leaks and faulty seals can allow coolant or contaminants to enter. Oil and coolant mixing? That’s head gasket failure territory — and a 2,000 euro garage bill waiting to happen.

A low coolant? Unstable radiator cap? Worn hoses? Even a faulty temperature sensor can send your car into crisis mode. In the summer, when temperatures soar, even small problems can quickly become major ones.

Warning signs that your car is screaming for assistance

Spain’s summer streets are littered in cars flashing warning light like Christmas trees. Here are some things to be aware of:

• Temperature warning light (looks as if a thermometer is in waves): The engine is heating up. Stop immediately. Stop. Let it cool. Get some coolant, and add that. You might want to call roadside help if you’re unable to do so.
• Oil pressure light (oil-can symbol): Low pressure oil means You can be sure that the seriousness of this is not in question. Engine damage is a risk. Turn away from the engine. Offered by immediately.
• Battery warning light: Faulty Alternator or belt can stop cooling fan. Check your cooling fan.
• Coolant leaks: Puddles Are you noticing a sweet-smelling liquid in green, yellow, or orange under your vehicle? Coolant is escaping. Repair it immediately to avoid risk. You can also find out more about the following: Engine fire mid-journey

Prevent your car from overheating this summer

1. Check underneath the carLook out for leaks. Early detection of problems could save you thousands.
2. Check hoses, belts and other componentsSearch for cracks, or softer spots. Weak hoses burst under pressure. The Better Off You Are Spend 30 euros now on a new hose rather than 6 000 euros later on an engine that is overheated.
3. Refill your coolantUse a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Never top up with just water — you’ll dilute protection against both heat and corrosion.
4. Radiator cap checkSimple rubber seal failures can cause coolant to leak out as steam. For a few pounds, you can replace a cap that isn’t working.
5. Flush the systemCoolant will degrade over time. As per your manual, flush every 50,000 km. Cloudy coolant may mean oil contamination — a sign of head gasket failure.

Temporary but quick fix

If you are caught Out with Temperatures are rising, and so are products. BlueDevil Engine Cool Can you imagine? Act Now As a temporary Stopgap. Do not confuse these plasters with cures. Professional repairs are needed ASAP.

Summer driving tips: Efficiency equals survival

• Avoid heavy traffic whenever possibleThe cooling system is stressed by stop-start driving.
• Turn off air conditioning during climbsReduces heat and engine load.
• Do not let your idleness last for too longThe cooling system performs better when airflow is assisted by the radiator.
• Watch your dashboardThis little needle will be your protector angel.

Don’t forget your tires!

A blowout is just a matter of time when you have a hot tarmac surface, long travels and underinflated tyres. There is a good reason for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Light (TPMS). Under-inflated tires wear faster, use more fuel and are potentially lethal when driving at high speeds.

Spain’s summer is brutal for both cars and humans

Your car is facing its own heat as the country bakes, and tourists fry themselves at beaches. Have you ever heard of a person who speaks English? battle. It’s not just the engine that is at risk. Your catalytic convert, brakes and tyres are all under stress. Warning lights for the catalytic converter? They are not to be taken seriously You can also read more about Long enough and you may end up spending thousands.

Last word: treat your car as you would your skin

Without suncream and water, you would bake in the Spanish heat. Surely not… Your car needs the same TLC: cooling, hydration (coolant), and regular checks.

If you don’t take care of it, your summer will be spent watching the world pass by on the hard shoulder.

You know now. Keep your cool. Drive carefully. Avoid turning your car into four-wheeled ovens under the Spanish sun.

More information Spanish car news.

News about Spain is a great place to live.