It can be easy to find your way to Hoover Dam and Red Rock from Las Vegas, but it can be hard on your car, especially in the summer heat. Long grades, stop-and-go traffic near scenic pull-offs, and a lot of demand for cabin cooling all make engines hotter. A little planning and smart driving can help you avoid getting too hot on your Vegas day trips.
Do a Quick Check Before You Drive
Check the coolant level when the engine is cool and look under the car for new puddles before you leave. A low reservoir can be the first sign that something is leaking slowly. Check that the AC is blowing normally, the radiator fan is running, and the serpentine belt looks fine. If the temperature gauge has been going up slowly, take care of it before you go to the desert.
Keep an Eye on the Heat While You Drive
Even if the route seems short, plan for driving in the mountains. Keep a steady pace and don’t floor it when you’re going up. If you need to, downshift to ease the strain and keep the engine in its most efficient range. If you’re stuck behind slow traffic on a hill, leave more room so that the air can keep moving instead of having to brake and accelerate all the time.
Use Your Air Conditioning Wisely
The air conditioning unit adds weight. If the temperature gauge goes up, lower the cooling demand. Set the air conditioning to a lower setting, switch to a higher fan speed, and use recirculation. In very hot weather, it can help to crack the windows for a short time to let out hot air before running full cold.
If the Gauge Goes Up, You Should Know What to Do
If the needle goes up, turn off the AC and turn the heater up high to cool the engine down. Before the warning light comes on, find a safe place to pull over. While the radiator is hot, don’t open the cap. Check the coolant level and look for leaks after the engine has cooled down.
Questions and Answers
Is driving to Hoover Dam considered driving in the mountains?
Yes. The grades and heat mix, and the strain is like that of other mountain driving routes.
What makes people overheat the most when they travel in the desert?
Low coolant, weak radiator fans, old hoses, and worn belts are all common problems.
Should I add more coolant just before I leave?
When the engine is cool only. Use the right kind of coolant for your car.
When should I call for a tow instead of going on?
If the temperature warning light is on, you can see steam, the coolant is leaking quickly, or the gauge goes up again after cooling.
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