Dear Tom and Ray:

I took my car in for an oil change, and a couple of hours later the temperature gauge started to go up. I drove a short distance to a gas station as the temperature continued to climb toward "H." I popped the hood and saw a small amount of smoke. The mechanic came over and noticed that there was no radiator cap. Since I drove quite a distance before the car started to heat up, I suspect it just wasn't put on tightly enough and fell off somewhere along the road. I called the guy who did the oil change and he said to send him the bill for a new radiator cap. The car seems fine, but now my other concern is whether any other damage was likely done. What do you think? -- Monique

Tom: I doubt any damage was done, Monique. Normally, we tell people to shut off the engine immediately if the car is overheating (unless you're someplace unsafe, like in my brother's neighborhood, in which case your well-being is obviously more important than the engine's).

Ray: But since you got to the gas station and shut off the engine before the needle ever got to "H," I think you're going to be fine. So I'd just keep driving and forget it ever happened, Monique.

Tom: Easier said than done, I know. Every time there's a new lipstick stain on the passenger seat, you're going to wonder if was because of "that time the radiator cap fell off," right?

Ray: Well, to put your mind at ease, have a mechanic you trust do a "head gasket test." That's a simple test he can do that will tell you if there's any leakage between the cylinders and the water jacket. That's the problem most likely to occur on a car that's been severely overheated. If he says it's fine, then you're home free.

What's the best way to warm up your engine in the morning? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 2000 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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