What To Do If Your Car Overheats

Dealing with an overheating engine while driving can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you aren’t sure what to do about it the moment it happens. We want to make sure you are prepared and have the know-how for that “just-in-case” chance it happens to you.

Signs of an overheating engine

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to take action immediately to avoid severe damage. First, look for steam or smoke coming from under the hood. This is a sure sign that the engine is too hot. Second, check the temperature gauge. This is another sign of overheating if it’s rising rapidly or is already in the red zone. Also, be on the lookout for strange smells coming from the front of the vehicle. A slightly sweet smell could mean coolant is leaking, or a burning smell could be oil burning in the engine. Either or both smells can be indicative of an overheating engine.

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What to do when your car overheats

Click here for even more information on overheating engines.

Turn A/C off and crank the heater

The first thing you’ll want to do is turn your A/C off and crank the heater up. This will help remove some of the heat from under the hood and away from the engine.

5 Things To Reduce Engine Temperature

Pull over safely and turn off the engine

As soon as you can, find a safe place to pull over. Once you’re off to the side and out of traffic, turn off your engine. If you continue driving with an overheating engine, you could be seriously damaged.

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Wait 15 min before popping the hood to check things out.

It’s important to give your car time to cool down before checking things out under the hood. If you open it too soon, you could get burned by hot steam or fluid coming out from the radiator cap. After 15 minutes, put on gloves and slowly open the hood. Look at the coolant level and see if it needs to be topped off. The coolant should be at or above the “full” line.

Check out this video on how to fix an overheating engine.

Add coolant if possible.

If you have coolant with you and the engine is cooled down, add some in until it reaches the “full” line again. Be sure to put the cap back on tightly to minimize any more fluid spurting out. You can also use distilled water in an emergency to get you to a service station. Water must be distilled or pure to avoid mineral deposits building up in the radiator.

Click here to learn more about how oil and fluid changes can save your engine.

Cautiously drive your vehicle to a service station.

If you are unable to get the vehicle towed, cautiously drive your vehicle to a service station where it can be properly checked out and repaired if needed. Do not drive too fast or for too long – this could cause further damage!

Safety comes first, so follow these steps to ensure a smooth process. Feel free to contact our service center with any questions or concerns!

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