How to Stop an Engine from Overheating
Pull over., Open the hood to allow heat to disperse faster., Do not open your radiator pressure cap (the cap on top of the radiator) while the engine is hot., Check the coolant reservoir tank and fill if needed., Look for a leak in the cooling...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Pull over.
As soon as you notice the temperature gauge creeping into the "H" territory (which stands for "hot"), pull over and turn off your car to allow the engine to cool.
Be extra aware of the temperature gauge on hot days.
If you start to see steam emanating from your hood, stop immediately.
You may be able to prevent serious steam from escaping in the first place by keeping an eye on your temperature gauge. -
Step 2: Open the hood to allow heat to disperse faster.
Don't keep all that heat trapped up there.
Find the little latch underneath the hood and open the hood.
Be aware that some cars have safety latches close to radiator cap and there is a risk of getting burned if steam is coming from radiator cap. , Doing so is very likely to release a high pressure combination of steam and radiator fluid that can cause very serious burns. , Most modern cars have a plastic reservoir of coolant connected to the top of the radiator.
This will allow you to see if your coolant is low.
Many have marks indicating the proper level of coolant, below which the engine is in danger of becoming too hot.
Check to see if the coolant is at or below that level.
Add coolant (or water, in a pinch) to your reservoir to the full/hot line.
On most cars, you can add liquid to your reservoir even if the car is hot.
Check the owner's manual to be sure, or wait for the car to cool before opening.
If your car only has a radiator and no coolant reservoir, you must wait for it to cool before checking the level of coolant. , If your radiator or cylinder head seem to be compromised, or if you open the coolant reservoir and the levels are topped up, you may have a leak in the cooling system.
If you're experienced with cars, check the radiator, core plugs in the engine block, or cylinder head near the head gasket for any signs of leakage.
If you don't know your way around cars, consider bringing your car to the nearest mechanic and ask them to pressure-test the cooling system.
Pressure-testing the cooling system is relatively easy to do; they may even do it free of charge., If the car was simply low on coolant and you were able to refill it, it may be safe to drive on.
Follow the instructions below for how to minimize the risk of overheating if you do so.
If the car appears to be out of coolant entirely, do not drive it.
You can quickly cause severe harm to your engine by doing so.
If help is readily available, you may be better off calling for a tow truck than driving the car.
If no help is available or conditions are otherwise unsafe you may need to drive on regardless of whether you were able to solve the problems.
Read below for how to manage your car if this is the case. -
Step 3: Do not open your radiator pressure cap (the cap on top of the radiator) while the engine is hot.
-
Step 4: Check the coolant reservoir tank and fill if needed.
-
Step 5: Look for a leak in the cooling system.
-
Step 6: Determine whether to drive on or call for help.
Detailed Guide
As soon as you notice the temperature gauge creeping into the "H" territory (which stands for "hot"), pull over and turn off your car to allow the engine to cool.
Be extra aware of the temperature gauge on hot days.
If you start to see steam emanating from your hood, stop immediately.
You may be able to prevent serious steam from escaping in the first place by keeping an eye on your temperature gauge.
Don't keep all that heat trapped up there.
Find the little latch underneath the hood and open the hood.
Be aware that some cars have safety latches close to radiator cap and there is a risk of getting burned if steam is coming from radiator cap. , Doing so is very likely to release a high pressure combination of steam and radiator fluid that can cause very serious burns. , Most modern cars have a plastic reservoir of coolant connected to the top of the radiator.
This will allow you to see if your coolant is low.
Many have marks indicating the proper level of coolant, below which the engine is in danger of becoming too hot.
Check to see if the coolant is at or below that level.
Add coolant (or water, in a pinch) to your reservoir to the full/hot line.
On most cars, you can add liquid to your reservoir even if the car is hot.
Check the owner's manual to be sure, or wait for the car to cool before opening.
If your car only has a radiator and no coolant reservoir, you must wait for it to cool before checking the level of coolant. , If your radiator or cylinder head seem to be compromised, or if you open the coolant reservoir and the levels are topped up, you may have a leak in the cooling system.
If you're experienced with cars, check the radiator, core plugs in the engine block, or cylinder head near the head gasket for any signs of leakage.
If you don't know your way around cars, consider bringing your car to the nearest mechanic and ask them to pressure-test the cooling system.
Pressure-testing the cooling system is relatively easy to do; they may even do it free of charge., If the car was simply low on coolant and you were able to refill it, it may be safe to drive on.
Follow the instructions below for how to minimize the risk of overheating if you do so.
If the car appears to be out of coolant entirely, do not drive it.
You can quickly cause severe harm to your engine by doing so.
If help is readily available, you may be better off calling for a tow truck than driving the car.
If no help is available or conditions are otherwise unsafe you may need to drive on regardless of whether you were able to solve the problems.
Read below for how to manage your car if this is the case.
About the Author
Joseph Reynolds
Brings years of experience writing about hobbies and related subjects.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: