Has there ever been a time when you are driving and suddenly white and hot steam comes out from the front of your VW? If you own a Volkswagen and have been a victim of an engine overheating problem, then know that you are not alone. Overheating is a common and severe issue, but with the right information, you can solve this problem and get your car running cool. Let’s go through how to prevent or deal with overheating in your Volkswagen.
Signs That Tell You That Your VW Is Overheating
- Temperature Gauge: The first and most easily identifiable symptom of an engine that is running hot is the temperature gauge on the dashboard. This gauge usually has a pointer that indicates the current temperature of your engine. If it gets to the red zone, it simply means that your engine is very hot and it is overheating. It is important to keep an eye on this gauge while driving so you can know when the engine is overheating.
- Steam or Smoke: If you notice water vapor or smoke from beneath the hood you are likely experiencing engine overheating. Steam may appear like smoke, but when you see it coming from the front of your vehicle, it might be a leaking coolant that is being burned by hot engine parts.
What to Do When Your Engine Overheats
- Turn Off the Air Conditioner and Put On the Heater: If your Volkswagen overheats as you’re driving and the air conditioning system is running, you should quickly turn your A/C off. The A/C gives your VW engine more work to do, which can lead to more heat in the engine. When you switch off the A/C, your VW will have a better chance of cooling faster. Even though this may seem contradictory, it is possible to use the heater to remove heat from the engine. The heater extracts heat from the engine to warm the cabin, which is beneficial in reducing the engine temperature. Set the heater to the highest temperature and the fan should also be set to the highest level. This should only be done for a short period to see if the temperature will leave the red zone.
- Pull Over Safely: If the temperature gauge is still in the red area or you observe a cloud of steam from under the hood, then it is high time to stop your VW. Driving with an overheating engine is never a good idea because it will lead to more significant problems. When you are sure your VW is safely parked, switch off the engine as soon as possible. The engine and most of its parts will be red-hot, so it is recommended that you wait for at least 15 minutes to allow the engine to cool before opening the hood to avoid getting burnt.
- Check Coolant Levels: After the engine has cooled off, the next thing is to check the coolant levels. Be very cautious when opening the radiator cap. You must slowly and safely open the cap to let out any pressurized moisture. If the coolant is low, then you should add the coolant up to the recommended level.
When to Seek Professional Help
Although there are some problems that one can handle without mechanical help, there are also some that need professional assistance. If your engine is still overheating after doing all that has been advised for you to do, then you should seek help from a professional. Overheating can come from many different areas and a professional can easily tell if it is the cooling system, the engine, or other systems. The following are some of the potential complex causes of overheating that will need professional guidance: water pump malfunction, clogged radiators, and internal engine issues. A mechanic has the right equipment and knowledge to rectify these problems when they arise.
Turn To DART Auto For Volkswagen Repairs And Maintenance In Denver
At DART Auto, we are the mechanic workshop 
that you should turn to if you are a Denver driver of Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, or MINI Cooper. We have been catering to drivers in Denver for over ten years, and we also assist drivers in Englewood, Littleton, and Centennial, CO. If your Volkswagen is overheating or you notice other mechanical problems then your car requires professional attention. Bring your VW to us and we will diagnose and repair the actual cause of the overheating. To schedule an appointment, you can visit our shop or contact us at 303-296-1188.
