How to Deal with an Overheating Car Engine

Is your car engine overheating? Don't blame it on the dog days of summer! If the temperature gauge is frequently precariously close to the telltale "H," prevent damage to the vehicle now. Even if you are already on the side of the road, you still have options.

Give the overheating Engine a Break

Do not drive while the temperature gauge is in the red zone. In addition, do not wait for steam to pour out from underneath the hood. Doing so has the potential to damage the engine. Instead, pull over to a safe location (preferably in the shade).

Allpar suggests letting the engine idle for a bit to give the fans a chance to cool it. If the temperature gauge does not budge, turn off the car. Pop open the hood and leave it propped open. Wait for the engine to cool down.

Add Coolant Mix (or water)

After the engine has cooled down, open the radiator cap. Add tepid water to the reservoir. Granted, it would be better to add a coolant mix, but at the side of the road plain water will do.

Warning: Do not, under any circumstance, open the cap while the engine is hot. The escaping steam presents a severe burn danger.

Consider the Options

If the coolant reservoir was running low -- but not empty -- you may be able to nurse the car all the way home. Keep off the air conditioner and instead turn on the heater at highest capacity to help dissipate engine heat.

If the reservoir was bone dry, your better choice is a call to a towing company. There is a good chance that the engine in general is missing the coolant. Turning it on again might just ring the death knell for your car.

Why is My Car overheating?

Perhaps the radiator has a crack that slowly leaks the coolant. Then again, a faulty thermostat or water pump might be to blame. The Castrol site reminds drivers that electrical failure is another reason for an overheating car engine. Unless a bout of forgetfulness has prevented you from keeping fluids topped off, visit a mechanic at your earliest opportunity.

Prevent Engine Overheating

When your car is overheating, you might have made some pivotal errors in judgment. While you cannot anticipate a sudden radiator crack or hose failure, it is possible that you have been driving without considering the strain on the engine.

Prior to driving on steep, winding mountain roads in the heat of summer, stop at a gas station to refill the coolant. Do not let the air conditioner inside the car run on full blast for the duration of a 45-minute trip through stop-and-go traffic. Instead, open the windows and use air conditioning in short bursts to dissipate cabin heat. Watch the coolant mix; most cars favor a mix of water and anti freeze to prevent boiling.