Any overheating issues?

[bradgarbus]

I live in SE Virginia where during the summer it's not uncommon for the temps to hit 100 during rush hour traffic.
My concern is with the AC running in the smart, in stop and go traffic, has anyone experienced the smart overheating? (I have reserved the passion coupe, so no top to drop.)

If so, what did you do?

I just wanted to get some thoughts on the topic.

This seems like it might be a concern with the engine tucked away in the back with minimal ventilation from what I could see at the dealership...

Any thoughts?

[JPaul]

Because deliveries of the new «451» started early this year, the only ones (in the US) with extended real experience are those who took the three caravans "Across the USA" last summer. They had few "americanized" smarts towards the end of the program. Those cars were exposed to lots of heat, especially in the South, lots of stop-and-go conditions and extensive AC use. They seemed to me to be honest when they told me that they "didn't have any problem"...

[Old smart]

The problem has been noted in a couple of the overseas forums. Not much you can do except to add a thermostatically controlled oil radiator, and make sure that the water radiator fan is working (and working in the right direction - e.g., no crossed polarity).

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by bradgarbus

I live in SE Virginia where during the summer it's not uncommon for the temps to hit 100 during rush hour traffic.
My concern is with the AC running in the smart, in stop and go traffic, has anyone experienced the smart overheating? (I have reserved the passion coupe, so no top to drop.)

If so, what did you do?

I just wanted to get some thoughts on the topic.

This seems like it might be a concern with the engine tucked away in the back with minimal ventilation from what I could see at the dealership...

Any thoughts?

Just as in the "old days" IF heat becomes a problem you turn on the heater FULL BLAST to help dissipate the heat.

[124tom]

I know we live in different parts of the country but if all scangauge users could post their temp. ranges it could give everyone an idea of what to expect. Still their are a lot of factors driving habits, load, octane,ect. This will give smart owners a range that don't have one. Temp. in my area 188+/- 4 degrees. Air temp in the low 80's W/Air

[Arch]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Because deliveries of the new «451» started early this year, the only ones (in the US) with extended real experience are those who took the three caravans "Across the USA" last summer. They had few "americanized" smarts towards the end of the program. Those cars were exposed to lots of heat, especially in the South, lots of stop-and-go conditions and extensive AC use. They seemed to me to be honest when they told me that they "didn't have any problem"...

Indeed, JPaul's right on the money. All of those cars (and others) lived lives no actual owner could possibly subject theirs to if they tried. And then some. So like any other modern car being sold today, barring some unforeseen mechanical problem, it's a non-issue.

Arch

[bradgarbus]

Thanks everyone for the input. Sounds good. That was really my only concern aside from how long the engine might last... To cover that perspective I am buying the 100,000 mile 6 year extended warranty just to be safe...
Thanks again!

[heyring]

Well - I'll let you know.. It was 96 degrees today in the Phoenix area. I have had my SMART for 3 days now and haven't noticed anything yet.

I keep the AC pegged full blast and so far the little squirt is AWESOME!

[bradgarbus]

Originally Posted by heyring

Well - I'll let you know.. It was 96 degrees today in the Phoenix area. I have had my SMART for 3 days now and haven't noticed anything yet.

I keep the AC pegged full blast and so far the little squirt is AWESOME!

Thank you!!!!

[GoMXracing]

i had a smart "demo" last summer .... was a little warm outside (110 or so)..i literally tortured car on the fwy in stop and go....(demo had a temp gauge)

gauge said it got close to being warm.....at times. never acted like it was..i put 800 miles on it...... worked perfect.. amazed even me

and my new ride in the first 2000 miles has bee perfect too