A car overheating on the road can be alarming, but knowing the right steps can help prevent severe engine damage and costly repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a low coolant level, a broken radiator fan, or a faulty thermostat, acting quickly can save your engine. This guide covers what to do when your car overheats, the most common causes, and how to prevent overheating in the future.
Signs That Your Car Is Overheating
Recognizing early warning signs of an overheating engine can help you take action before it leads to severe damage:
- Temperature gauge rising – If the gauge moves toward the red zone, your engine is getting too hot.
- Steam or smoke from the hood – White steam coming from under the hood indicates an overheating engine.
- Burning smell – A strong smell could mean overheating components, burning oil, or leaking coolant.
- Warning lights on the dashboard – The check engine light or temperature warning light may turn on.
What to Do If Your Car Overheats While Driving
If your car starts to overheat, follow these steps to avoid further damage:
- Turn Off the AC and Turn On the Heater
- Turning off the air conditioning reduces the load on the engine.
- Turning on the heater pulls heat away from the engine and helps lower its temperature.
- Pull Over and Turn Off the Engine
- As soon as it’s safe, pull over and turn off your vehicle to prevent engine damage.
- Let the engine cool down for at least 15–30 minutes before opening the hood.
- Check the Coolant Level
- Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant reservoir.
- If the coolant is low, add coolant if available. Use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water for best results.
- Look for Coolant Leaks
- Check for coolant leaks under the vehicle. A green, orange, or pink puddle may indicate a leak in the cooling system.
- If you notice a leak, avoid driving and call for roadside assistance or a tow truck.
- Restart the Car and Drive to a Repair Shop
- If the engine has cooled down and there are no visible leaks, carefully drive to a trusted auto repair shop in San Diego for a full inspection.
- If the temperature gauge rises again, pull over and call for a tow truck to prevent engine damage.
Common Causes of Car Overheating
Understanding why your car is overheating can help you prevent future breakdowns. Here are the most common causes:
- Low coolant levels – Coolant helps regulate the engine’s temperature. Without enough coolant, the engine can overheat.
- Coolant leaks – Leaks in the radiator, hoses, or water pump can cause coolant levels to drop.
- Broken radiator fan – A faulty fan won’t cool the radiator properly, leading to overheating.
- Faulty thermostat – If the thermostat gets stuck closed, coolant won’t circulate properly.
- Clogged radiator – Dirt, debris, or rust buildup can block coolant flow and reduce cooling efficiency.
- Water pump failure – The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. A failing pump can cause overheating.
How to Prevent Your Car from Overheating
Routine vehicle maintenance is the best way to prevent overheating and avoid costly engine repairs. Here’s how:
- Check coolant levels regularly – Low coolant levels can lead to overheating. Top off coolant as needed.
- Inspect hoses and belts – Cracked or loose hoses can cause leaks and affect coolant flow.
- Flush the radiator – A radiator flush every 30,000–50,000 miles prevents buildup that can block coolant circulation.
- Monitor the temperature gauge – Keep an eye on the dashboard temperature gauge to catch overheating early.
- Schedule regular maintenance – A trusted auto repair shop can inspect your cooling system and catch potential issues before they lead to breakdowns.
Why Choose FTS Auto Repair for Cooling System Repairs?
At FTS Auto Repair, we provide expert auto repair services in San Diego, including engine diagnostics, cooling system repair, radiator replacement, and scheduled maintenance. With 30 years of experience, we are one of the highest-ranked auto repair shops on Google, BBB, and Yelp.
If your car is overheating, don’t risk engine failure. Visit FTS Auto Repair today for a full cooling system inspection and repair services.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Contact FTS Auto Repair to prevent overheating issues and keep your car running smoothly. Call us or book an appointment online for expert auto repair in San Diego!
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