What NOT To Do When Your Car Engine Overheats

In previous blogs, we have touched on important automotive and road safety advice regarding what to do when your car engine overheats. But in today’s blog, we will be discussing what you should NEVER do when your car engine is overheating.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 things that can really make matters worse for you and your vehicle.

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Tow Truck 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Roadside Assistance Tow Truck 317-247-8484

Continue Driving

The worst thing you could possibly do when your engine is overheating is to continue driving. As soon as your engine begins to show signs that it is close to overheating, you need to pull over, come to a safe stop, and turn off the ignition completely. If you continue to drive while the engine is overheating, you are putting your safety at risk.

Driving on an overheating engine is not only dangerous to your safety, it can potentially cause an extreme amount of damage to several internal automotive systems, which will end up costing you more money in repairs and replacements. It may even total a car. If this were to happen, you would have to accept the insurance money for it, or sell it to a junk car buyer in Indianapolis.

Use Cold Water

You should never use cold water on a hot engine. There are many things that can go wrong if you were to attempt this. First, you risk damaging the engine block and causing it to crack. Second, you risk burning yourself. You always wait for an engine to cool completely before investigating or resolving any issues.

Check Radiator Fluid Levels

Another terrible mistake to avoid is checking your radiator fluid levels while the engine is still hot. As mentioned above, you must always wait for the engine to cool completely before moving forward. You see, a lot of pressure builds up beneath a radiator cap, which means that boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, and seriously injure you.

24 Hour Roadside Assistance For You

Indianapolis Auto Body Shop 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Auto Body Shop 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour tow truck roadside assistance in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more. Request a free estimate, anytime.

How Much Does a New Alternator Cost?

There are many signs that suggest your vehicle’s alternator is on its last leg. The most common signs involve electrical issues, such as dimmed or flickering lights, failing power seats and windows, and stereo defects. Other signs may include engine and battery problems, smell of burning plastic, or strange noises coming from the hood. If you suspect that your car or truck needs a new alternator, your top concern may be your budget. Fortunately, you have some cost-effective options for replacing or repairing an alternator.

Continue reading to learn what the average cost of a new alternator can be, and how to find a fantastic deal on alternator replacement.

New and Used Auto Parts 317-244-0700

New and Used Auto Parts 317-244-0700

What is an Alternator?

You vehicle’s alternator is important because it turns mechanical energy into electrical energy, and recharges the battery. It is located in the engine, where it is powered by a timing chain or belt. As a vehicle is running, the alternator spins to produce electrical energy. This energy is applied to all the electrical systems, as well as, the overall operation of the vehicle.

Options for Defective Alternator

If your alternator is showing any of the above-mentioned signs, your first step is to have it inspected by a licensed automotive mechanic. They can tell you whether or not the alternator can be spared. If it can be repaired, it could be your best option depending on your personal preference and your vehicle’s age and condition.

If you need a new alternator, you are looking at paying between $200 and $600, and perhaps more, depending on a few factors. Factors that impact alternator replacement include the make and model vehicle, labor costs of mechanic, whether or not you buy a used or new part, and more. That’s right; you can save a lot of money by opting for a used and refurbished alternator, rather than a brand new one. Not only is this easier on the budget, it is great for the environment and local economy.

Refurbished Alternators

If you decide on a refurbished alternator, you will save hundreds of dollars compared to buying new. Just be sure to choose an OEM approved product from a trusted vendor or retailer. Some reconditioned automotive parts even come with a warranty. Alternators are relatively simple to repair and refurbish, so it should not be difficult tracking one down near you. The most important part of buying a refurbished auto part is to choose a reputable auto parts store to do business with.

Where to Get Top-of-the-Line Used Auto Parts

Zore's Inc. 317-247-8484

Zore’s Inc. 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 to buy top-of-the-line used auto parts in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of new and used car parts for all make and model vehicles, including OEM auto parts, aftermarket parts, import auto parts, domestic auto parts, late model parts, new model parts, and refurbished parts. Since we have a full-service auto body shop on our campus, we can even install it for you, same-day! Request a free inventory search for the auto part you are looking for, anytime.