Few things are more stressful than seeing your car’s temperature gauge spike or steam rising from under the hood. An overheating engine is not only inconvenient but can also cause serious damage if not handled quickly. Knowing what to do in this situation can save you from costly repairs and keep you safe on the road.

Signs Your Car is Overheating

Before diving into what to do, it’s important to recognize the warning signs:

• Temperature gauge moving into the red zone

• Steam or smoke coming from the hood

• Strange smells, like sweet coolant or burning oil

• Reduced engine performance

Steps to Take Immediately

If your car starts to overheat while you’re driving, here’s what you should do:

1. Turn Off the A/C and Turn On the Heater
   It may sound counterintuitive, but blasting your car’s heater helps pull excess heat away from the engine and into the cabin.

2. Pull Over Safely
   As soon as it’s safe, pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine. Continuing to drive while overheating can cause permanent damage, such as a blown head gasket.

3. Don’t Open the Hood Right Away
   Opening the hood immediately can be dangerous because hot steam or fluids may spray out. Wait at least 15–20 minutes for the engine to cool down.

4. Check Your Coolant (If Safe to Do So)
   Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant level in the reservoir. If it’s low and you have coolant available, top it off. Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot—it can cause serious burns.

5. Restart and Monitor
   If the coolant level is fine and the car has cooled, you may restart and continue driving to the nearest auto repair shop. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

Why Cars Overheat

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Low coolant due to a leak

• Broken water pump

• Clogged radiator

• Faulty thermostat

• Damaged hoses or belts

Preventing Future Overheating

The best way to avoid overheating is regular maintenance. Have your cooling system checked at recommended intervals, inspect hoses and belts, and always top off fluids.

Final Thoughts

If your car overheats, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. An overheating engine is a warning sign that something needs attention. If you’ve experienced overheating, schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible to prevent major repairs down the road.

Need help with an overheating car? Our expert mechanics can diagnose the problem and get you back on the road safely. Contact us today to schedule your service!

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.