Car Engine Overheating: What to Do

Symptoms of an Overheating Engine

High temperature gauge reading: The temperature gauge on your dashboard should typically stay in the middle of the normal operating range. If it starts to rise above normal, it could be a sign that your engine is overheating.
Steam or coolant leaking from the engine: If you see steam or coolant leaking from the engine, it could be a sign that the cooling system is compromised and the engine is overheating.
Knocking or pinging sounds from the engine: If you hear knocking or pinging sounds from the engine, it could be a sign that the engine is overheating and the pistons are beginning to seize.
Reduced engine power: If your engine is overheating, it may not be able to produce as much power as usual.

What to Do If Your Engine Overheats

Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Turning off your engine right away can cause further damage, so let it idle for a few minutes before turning it off.
Turn on your heater or air conditioner to help cool down the engine. This will circulate the coolant and help to dissipate heat.
Open the hood to allow heat to escape. Be careful not to touch any hot surfaces.
Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, add more coolant (make sure to use the correct type of coolant for your vehicle). Do not overfill the coolant reservoir.
Check for any leaks in the cooling system. If you see any leaks, try to patch them with a temporary fix (such as duct tape or a hose clamp). This will help to prevent further coolant loss.
If you are able to safely restart your engine, drive to the nearest auto repair shop. If the engine continues to overheat, pull over again and repeat steps 1-5.
Call for roadside assistance if you cannot safely drive to an auto repair shop.

Preventing Engine Overheating

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your engine from overheating:

Maintain a proper coolant level. Check the coolant level regularly and add coolant as needed.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks. Look for any cracks, hoses, or connections that could be leaking coolant.
Replace the thermostat when it fails. A faulty thermostat can cause the engine to overheat.
Clean the radiator. A dirty radiator can restrict airflow and cause the engine to overheat.
Use the correct type of coolant. Using the wrong type of coolant can damage the cooling system and cause overheating.
Avoid driving in hot weather or heavy traffic. If you must drive in these conditions, take breaks to let the engine cool down.

Conclusion

Engine overheating can be a serious problem, but it is one that you can usually avoid by following these simple tips. If your engine does overheat, do not panic. Just pull over to a safe location, turn off your engine, and let it cool down. Then, check the coolant level, inspect the cooling system for leaks, and call for roadside assistance if necessary.