Do smarts overheat?

ex300SRT8 · 05-19-2008, 12:23 PM

Do our cars overheat? Gotta think they do at some time, but does anyone have experience with this? Also, how will you know when you're pushing the limits on a hot day - particularly with a combination of traffic, hills, A/C etc. ? Just curious because Summer is a coming.

**JPaul** · 05-19-2008, 12:35 PM

Ask whomever was involved in the "caravans" that visited various locations, particularly in the South and during last summer: the cars were subject to constant stop-and-go, open-close doors, changes of drivers, hours at length, A/C blowing nonstop, and... no problems! Granted, those were mostly "European" smarts. Nonetheless, they handled the (ab)use quite well, I've been told.

Dave Van · 05-19-2008, 12:38 PM

During the test drives in Charlotte it was very warm, A/C on...stop and go Charlotte traffic, high humidity and driven all day. Never saw a Smart have a issue. I am sure they can...like any car not taken care of......

Lgaruti · 05-19-2008, 01:54 PM

So far no overheating problems with mine in Fl. We've had a few 85+ days and the temp on the scangage will climb to 204 deg. and then drop down to 180 deg after the fan turns on.
When the A/C is on it rarely climbs over 185 degrees in stop & go traffic.

Dave777 · 05-19-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ex300SRT8

Do our cars overheat? Gotta think they do at some time, but does anyone have experience with this? Just curious because Summer is a coming.

I'm curious why you would ask this question.

What is it about the smart that makes you think it would overheat? Would you ask the same question about a Ford, VW, Subaru? I don't get it. It's just a car, with a normal gas engine and cooling system like millions of other vehicles.

**Old smart** · 05-19-2008, 02:28 PM

Overheating in stop-and-go traffic has occassionally been reported in Australia, Spain and the UK. Things that have been identified as culprits are airlocks in a high spot in a coolant hose, sticking thermostat, and radiator fan not running. In one report, a high electronic temp gauge reading was checked through the OBD II and the reader showed normal temperature.

**JPaul** · 05-19-2008, 02:33 PM

Of course, one has to check that the engine cover is properly closed, so as not to leak heat. That'll warm up, even overheat the car; not the engine though.
Maybe the reason for asking is the physical proximity of the engine to the passengers?

bottlerocket · 05-19-2008, 02:44 PM

We just had three 100 degree days here in L.A., and some of us participated on a parade Saturday. I know at least two people ran the a/c while parked and had no issues. I drove home after running through the parade in 100 degree heat with the a/c on, no issues.

ex300SRT8 · 05-19-2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave777

I'm curious why you would ask this question.

What is it about the smart that makes you think it would overheat? Would you ask the same question about a Ford, VW, Subaru? I don't get it. It's just a car, with a normal gas engine and cooling system like millions of other vehicles.

It is a car like any other (kind of

). But . . . . . because summer is coming along and unlike every other car I've owned, I don't have a temperature gauge. If I was taking a long trip (vacation) up a long and steep incline, I would like some warning, thus the last part of my initial post.

**jwight** · 05-19-2008, 05:34 PM

I did a thread in the Modification section asking for ideas on a temp gauge retrofit. Of course, first response was from Evilution asking if I wanted to measure my colon temp.