When Your Car Engine Overheats

Every car owner dreads getting stranded on the side of the road with car troubles and while we usually imagine it happening because of a flat tire, an accident or even running out of gas, we seldom think about what to do when the engine overheats. Here are four simple steps for what to do when your car engine overheats:

1. Pull over to a safe location.
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Call for help.
4. Wait and don’t touch the engine!!

Seems simple, right? The truth is that to properly diagnose what caused your engine to overheat, it’s best that it be towed to a professional for a thorough analysis and it may need to be put on a diagnostic machine. While you can visually check the coolant/antifreeze fluid level in the reservoir near the radiator, it’s best to not touch anything and risk severe burns. Most of all, don’t touch the radiator cap as the cooling system is highly pressurized and loosening the cap can push out extremely hot coolant. 

Here are a few myths we can easily bust…

• Myth: Hot weather and running the AC on high causes your car to overheat.
  Today’s cars are designed to handle this, so if your car is overheating, the cooling system or something else may be malfunctioning. Hot weather can contribute to an engine overheating, but if there are underlying issues with the cooling system, the engine can overheat in mild or cool temperatures too.
• Myth: Filling the antifreeze reservoir with water will keep the engine running smoothly.
  While adding water to the reservoir can be done in a pinch, coolant has additives that water lacks and using water alone can damage your engine over time.
• Myth: Coolant is only needed during the summertime.
  Coolant serves multiple purposes and regulates the engine’s temperature no matter the season. In the winter, it helps protect the engine from freezing and it helps prevent corrosion and rust from forming year-round.
• Myth: Letting the engine cool down solves the issue and you can get back on the road.
  Whatever caused your car to overheat in the first place must be fixed before the car can return to normal. The issue can range from low coolant to thermostat failure, blocked airflow, a leaking water pump or a malfunctioning part that can only be identified by a professional.

We hope you never experience your car engine overheating, but even with proper maintenance, it can still happen. Just remember to remain calm and let a professional help get you and your ride back on the road. Check out this article for other Common Car Myths.