A car overheating can be stressful and potentially dangerous if not addressed quickly. Overheating can damage your engine, leading to expensive repairs. Knowing what steps to take when your car starts to overheat can help you protect your vehicle and stay safe on the road.

Below, Pearson Automotive has a breakdown. 

1 - Pull Over Safely

If your temperature gauge starts rising or you see steam coming from under the bonnet, act immediately. Continuing to drive can cause severe engine damage. Find a safe spot off the road and switch off the engine to prevent further overheating.

2 - Let The Engine Cool

Never try to remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as escaping steam or hot coolant can cause serious burns. Allow the engine at least 15-30 minutes to cool down before checking anything.

3 - Check Coolant Levels

Low coolant is one of the most common causes of overheating. Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant reservoir. If the level is low, top it up with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water (unless your vehicle’s manual specifies otherwise). Also, inspect hoses, the radiator, and the coolant reservoir for leaks, as these could indicate a more serious problem.

4 - Inspect Key Components

Other components can contribute to overheating if they fail. Check that the radiator fan switches on when the engine reaches a certain temperature. A faulty fan, blown fuse, broken serpentine belt, or failing water pump can stop the engine from cooling properly. Catching these issues early can prevent costly damage.

5 - Call a Professional If Needed

If topping up the coolant or inspecting components doesn’t fix the problem, don’t restart the engine, call roadside assistance. Driving an overheating vehicle can warp the cylinder head or damage other critical engine parts. A professional can identify the root cause and prevent long-term damage.

6 - Safety Precautions While Waiting

While waiting for help, keep passengers clear of any escaping steam and avoid restarting the engine. Parking in the shade or using a sunshade can help slow the heating process temporarily, but these are only short-term measures.

7 - Prevent Future Overheating

Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid overheating. Regularly check coolant levels, replace worn hoses, and ensure your radiator and fan system are working correctly. Keeping your engine in good condition reduces the risk of overheating and expensive repairs.

If your car starts overheating, pull over safely, let the engine cool, check coolant and components, and call a professional if necessary. Acting quickly can protect your engine and keep you safe on the road.

If you’re experiencing recurring issues, our team at Pearson Automotive can provide professional inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle running reliably. Keeping your car safely on the road with the minimum downtime is our main objective, and whether it's a car, light utility vehicle or four wheel drive, all can be serviced by our team of professionally trained technicians.

Safety and reliability is enhanced when you have your car serviced regularly.

To help keep your car in its best possible condition, chat to our Milton mechanics today.