What to do if your engine
overheats whilst driving
When was the last time you checked the coolant level in your engine, or checked that the coolent hoses weren't leaking? If your engine overheats when you are driving along you could suddenly be confronted by steam billowing out from under your bonnet, you may not be able to see properly, and may even have an accident.
There are a couple of things that you should be aware of that may indicate a problem with your cooling system. Most cars will have an engine temperature guage, and under normal driving conditions this temperature will stay within certain limits. You should familiarise yourself with the normal running temperature of your engine so that a brief glance at the guage should be enough to warn you if it is starting to overheat.
If you notice that your car heater does not seem to be blowing hot air any more, this can also mean that the engine cooling system is not working properly. This is because most car heaters will derive the warm air from a heat exchanger linked to the engines cooling system.
These problems could be either be caused by leaks or blockages in the cooling system, or you have just not topped it up with coolant for a long time!
Sometimes on very hot days if you are stuck in a traffic jam, even a healthy cooling system will struggle to keep the engine cool. This is because the car radiator needs a flow of air over it (ie. you are moving!) in order to work. This situation can be helped by opening your windows and turning your heater on full to help remove some of the heat from the system.
You should always keep a bottle of water in your vehicle just in case you need to top up the coolant system yourself in an emergency. HOWEVER, always wait at least half an hour after you have stopped for the engine to cool down a little, and then using a thick cloth or towel, carefully take off the hot radiator cap at arms length. The cooling system will contain superheated steam and you could be badly scalded if you are not careful.
Carefully topping up your system from time to time like this may just enable you to get home, so you can get it checked out properly by a mechanic.
If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, we can help you get a replacement vehicle and car repairs. Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
