I have an overheating engine is it ideal to keep adding coolant or cold water?, or is it best to get it seen because mechanics love asking for a lot just to check the car.
Get it seen. You have an overheating problem, apparently due to losing coolant. You need to find out why you’re losing coolant and have the issue fixed.
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NHTSA ID Number: 10081528
Manufacturer Communication Number: 5NP-D3F4K-09
Summary
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA HAS ADDED ADDITIONAL VEHICLES TO SERVICE CAMPAIGN TLL. SERVICE CAMPAIGN TLL PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT ON CERTAIN 2017 MODEL YEAR ELANTRA VEHICLES.
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI | ELANTRA | 2017 |
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So it’s bad to own one?
there is a recall on certain 2017 Elantra’s for the thermostat which could possibly cause your overheating problem. you should contact the dealer to find out. they will ask for your vehicle VIN number to look your vehicle up. to have the the recall work done it is free.
No, what is bad is to avoid needed maintenance/service/repairs.
Pay $$ now or $$$$ later.
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I’ve heard of this for a while but never believed in it 100% so I will get it checked asap, thanks!
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Just like doctors like to charge you money to determine what is wrong with you. Mechanics don’t work for free either.
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What’s that saying Ray frequently repeats on the podcast? Something like: It’s the cheap car owner that pays the most.
OP, when the cooling system overheats the extra heat severely stresses the engine block, cylinder head, the radiator, and the radiator hoses. It’s possible the engine actually isn’t overheating of course, just a sensor problem, but relying on that possibility could prove very expensive. Faulty coolant thermostats are a very common thing reported here, not just on your make/model, but on most vehicles. You can use the forum search feature to see for yourself. Upper right, this page.
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Yes, you should get your car to a mechanic ASAP. Modern engines do not tolerate overheating like the engines of 30-40 years ago did. And I assume you’re aware, the repair shop has a lot of costs of running their business–such as the rent on their building and land, insurance, equipment, employee wages, etc, which factor into the prices you will pay.
If it has overheated severely, or on multiple occasions, it is very possible that serious engine damage–such as a warped cylinder head or scored cylinder liners–has taken place.
It is not at all “ideal” to keep adding coolant, and water (without additional coolant) should only be added in emergency situations. If you added cold water to an overheated engine, it is entirely possible that you have caused damage to the engine block itself.
While any competent mechanic can work on your car, if there is an active recall on your car, the ONLY mechanics who should be working on it are at the Hyundai dealership.
Many mechanics will reduce or waive the diagnostic fee if you go ahead and have them do the work.
It wouldn’t be fair for a mechanic to figure out what’s wrong with your car for free, then you walk away and find a cheaper shop or fix it yourself.
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Listened to a recently posted Car Talk podcast where this adage came up. Ray actually said:
It’s the stingy car owner that pays the most.
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Two main things that can ruin an engine: not enough of the right oil; and anything that causes it to overheat.
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Is the pressure cap seating properly or missing? Squirrel nest blocking the radiator?