If your car overheats while sitting in traffic but cools down when you start driving, the problem may be a failed radiator fan, a low coolant level (due to a leak), a clogged radiator, a faulty engine thermostat, or poor coolant circulation. When your car is stopped or moving slowly, there is less airflow through the radiator, and as soon as your vehicle speeds up, airflow and cooling increase. This problem often shows up during warm summer weather around Ann Arbor when the cooling system has to work harder.
Overheating of the cooling system can quickly and seriously damage the engine, and it is not a problem to ignore, especially with German autos. One tip that will help cool an overheating engine is to turn off the air conditioning, set the passenger compartment heater to maximum temperature and fan speed, and minimize the use of vehicle accessories. The heat may be uncomfortable for the passengers, but it will allow you to get off the road and to an auto repair shop in an emergency without destroying the engine. Note: if the vehicle is steaming, do not run the engine or continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop or wait until the engine is cool, and add coolant (it may take an hour or more to cool, especially on a warm day). DO NOT remove the radiator cap when the engine is warm. You can suffer serious burns from the escaping super-heated coolant!
Contact Us Now
If you have cooling system problems in Ann Arbor or nearby, call Stadium Auto Service at (734) 369-6787, make an online appointment, or visit the shop for a cooling system diagnosis. We have technicians who specialize in and work exclusively on Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, and Volkswagen.