6 Steps to Take If Your Car Engine Smokes in the Middle of the Road!

Mobil Berasap Foto: lifepal.co.id

If your car suddenly starts emitting smoke in the middle of the road, don't panic! Follow these instructions:

1. Pull Over and Stay Calm

- Find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are experiencing an issue.

- Make sure the location is safe and somewhat away from traffic flow to avoid disrupting other vehicles.

2. Turn Off the Engine

- When the car stops, turn off the engine immediately to prevent further damage or the risk of fire.

- Do not open the hood if it's still hot. Wait a moment until it cools down a bit for safety.

3. Identify the Source of the Smoke

If the engine is not too hot, open it carefully. Smoke can come from the following issues:

- Overheating: Usually, white smoke appears when the engine is too hot. Check the radiator water or coolant—it might be low.

- Oil or Gasoline Leak: Thicker smoke with a burnt smell. If this happens, do not attempt to fix it yourself on the spot.

4. Check the Radiator or Coolant

- If the issue is overheating, check the radiator water or coolant level. However, be cautious and do not open the radiator cap when the engine is still hot. Wait a bit for safety.

- If there's a coolant shortage, add regular water first (temporarily), but later add the appropriate coolant.

5. Contact Assistance

- If you feel unsure or confused about the problem, it's better to contact the nearest towing service or workshop.

- Do not insist on continuing your journey, as it can worsen the car's damage.

6. Do Not Immediately Restart the Engine

- Do not start the engine right away if you are not sure the issue has been resolved. This can worsen the condition if there is internal damage.

To Prevent Similar Incidents:

- Perform regular checks on your car, such as oil, radiator water, and coolant.

- Ensure your car receives periodic servicing so that any damaged components can be detected earlier.

Don't worry, as long as you follow these steps, you will be safe and able to avoid bigger problems on the road.