How to Fix an Overheating Car: Symptoms, Immediate Steps, and Prevention

Summer trips and long drives can quickly turn sour if your car decides to overheat. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road dealing with a smoking engine. It’s crucial to understand what to do if your car overheats and, more importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

IT’S POSSIBLE FOR ANY CAR TO OVERHEAT, SO IT PAYS TO BE PREPARED

Overheating can happen to any vehicle, regardless of age or model. Being prepared and knowing the signs and steps to take can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations. Understanding why cars overheat and how to react is essential for every driver.

KNOW WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Your car usually gives warning signs before it overheats completely. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you take action before serious damage occurs. Here are key indicators to watch out for:

1. A Sweet, Unusual Smell: If you notice a sweet odor coming from your engine, it could be leaking coolant. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, has a distinct sweet smell. This leak indicates a problem in your cooling system.

2. Steam or Smoke from Under the Hood: Steam escaping from under the hood, which might look like smoke, is a classic sign of overheating. This happens when coolant boils and turns into steam due to excessive engine heat.

3. Temperature Gauge Spiking: Keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge. If the needle suddenly moves to the “H” (hot) mark or enters the red zone, your engine is overheating. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s temperature gauge symbols by checking your owner’s manual.

4. Dashboard Warning Lights: An illuminated “Check Engine” light or a specific “Temperature” warning light on your dashboard can also signal overheating. Don’t ignore these warning lights; they often indicate serious issues.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CAR OVERHEATS

Oh no, it’s happening! Your car is overheating. Staying calm and acting quickly is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide of what you should and shouldn’t do:

The “Dos” – Immediate Actions:

• DO Turn Off the Air Conditioner Immediately: The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine. Turning it off reduces stress and heat buildup.
• DO Turn On the Heater (Counterintuitive, but Effective): Cranking up the heat in your car diverts heat away from the engine and into the passenger cabin. Yes, it will get hot inside, but it can help cool down your engine.
• DO Find a Safe Place to Pull Over and Shut Off the Engine: As soon as it’s safe, pull over to the side of the road, away from traffic. Turn off the engine completely to stop generating more heat.
• DO Let the Engine Cool Down for at Least 15-20 Minutes: Give your engine time to cool down. Monitor the temperature gauge if your car has one and wait until it returns to the normal range. It’s crucial to be patient and allow sufficient cooling time.
• DO Call for Assistance: Overheating often indicates a problem that needs professional attention. Call a friend, family member, or a towing service to get your car to a repair shop.
• DO Check and Add Coolant (If Safe and You Have It): Only after the engine has cooled down significantly, carefully check the coolant level. If it’s low and you have extra coolant, you can carefully add some to the reservoir. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot as pressurized hot coolant can喷出 and cause severe burns. Check your owner’s manual for the correct type of coolant.
• DO Carefully Restart and Drive to a Repair Shop (If Towing Isn’t Immediately Available): If you must drive to the nearest repair shop and your car isn’t being towed, restart the engine cautiously. Keep a constant watch on the temperature gauge or warning lights. If the temperature starts rising again, pull over immediately and let it cool down again. Drive slowly and directly to a mechanic.

The “Don’ts” – Actions to Avoid:

• DON’T Keep Driving to Your Destination: Ignoring an overheating engine and continuing to drive is a recipe for disaster. You risk severe and expensive engine damage if you keep driving an overheating car.
• DON’T Panic: It’s stressful, but panicking won’t help. Stay calm, focus on safely pulling over, and follow the steps outlined.
• DON’T Open the Hood Immediately: Resist the urge to open the hood right away. The engine compartment is extremely hot, and you risk burns from hot steam and components. Wait until the temperature gauge is back to normal or the warning light is off before even considering opening the hood.
• DON’T Assume It Will Fix Itself: An overheating engine won’t magically repair itself. It’s a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a professional mechanic.

Prevention is always better than cure. Let’s explore how to prevent your car from overheating in the first place.

Your car’s cooling system, regulated by the thermostat, circulates coolant through the engine and radiator. This process dissipates heat and prevents corrosion. When the cooling system malfunctions, the engine temperature can escalate rapidly, leading to overheating. Regular maintenance of your cooling system is vital for engine performance, longevity, and preventing overheating.

IT’S EASY TO CHECK YOUR COOLANT LEVEL YOURSELF

Checking your coolant level is a simple maintenance task you can perform regularly, ideally every few months or before any long road trip. Knowing how to do this is just as important as knowing what to do when your car overheats.

Here’s how to check your coolant level:

• Release the Hood Latch: Locate and release the hood latch, usually inside the car cabin under the dashboard.
• Locate the Radiator Reservoir: Find the coolant reservoir, typically a translucent white plastic tank, usually near the radiator or engine. It often has markings for coolant levels.
• Visually Inspect the Coolant Level: Check the coolant level markings on the side of the reservoir. The coolant level should be between the “Min” (low) and “Max” (full) lines.
• Add Coolant if Necessary (When Engine is Cool): If the coolant level is below the “Min” line, wait for the engine to cool down completely. Then, carefully add the correct type of coolant (refer to your owner’s manual) to bring the level up to the “Max” line. Use a funnel to avoid spills. If you are unsure or uncomfortable doing it yourself, seek professional help.

image of checking coolant level in car radiator reservoir
Alt text: Checking coolant level in car radiator reservoir, ensuring it is between minimum and maximum lines for optimal engine cooling.

COME TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED RADIATOR COOLANT EXCHANGE

Regular coolant flushes are essential preventative maintenance. The interval for coolant exchange varies depending on your vehicle make and model, so always consult your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule. A professional mechanic can perform a comprehensive coolant service, which typically includes:

• Draining and Disposing of Old Coolant: Properly draining and environmentally responsible disposal of the old, used coolant.
• Flushing the Cooling System: Cleaning the cooling system to remove any deposits or contaminants.
• Refilling with Fresh Coolant: Replacing the old coolant with new, manufacturer-recommended coolant that meets or exceeds specifications.
• Inspecting Cooling System Components: Thoroughly inspecting hoses, clamps, seals, and gaskets for any signs of wear, leaks, or damage.
• Replacing Worn Parts (With Approval): Replacing any worn or damaged components, such as hoses or clamps, if necessary and after getting your approval.

REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND FLUID CHECKS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT

Summer might be an excellent time for a comprehensive vehicle service. In addition to oil changes, a full-service oil change typically includes checking and topping off other vital fluids, including coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. This comprehensive check-up helps ensure all systems are properly lubricated and filled, contributing to overall vehicle health and preventing issues like overheating.

image of mechanic checking car fluids during service
Alt text: Mechanic checking various car fluids during routine maintenance service, including coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid for optimal vehicle performance.

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS ARE TRAINED IN PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Certified automotive technicians are trained to provide expert preventive maintenance services. They use quality products and install parts that meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards. Rely on professional service centers to help keep your car, truck, SUV, or minivan running smoothly and reliably, especially during demanding conditions like summer heat.

FURTHER READING

For more detailed information, explore additional resources on car care and maintenance. Learning about your vehicle’s systems and staying proactive with maintenance will contribute to safer and more enjoyable driving experiences.

Please Note: Service availability may vary by location. Always check with your local service center to confirm specific services are offered.

By understanding the signs of an overheating car, knowing the correct steps to take, and prioritizing preventive maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of overheating and ensure safer, more enjoyable journeys.