What Should I Do If My Car Overheats?

If your car starts to overheat, don’t panic. Just follow these steps:

1. Turn Off the A/C and Turn On the Heater

  • Turn off your air conditioning to reduce strain on the engine.

  • Turn the heater on full blast. This pulls heat away from the engine and into the cabin, helping it cool down a little.

2. Pull Over Safely

  • As soon as it’s safe, pull your car over and turn off the engine.

  • Do not open the hood right away — the engine and steam could burn you.

  • Let the engine cool down for at least 15–30 minutes.

3. Check the Temperature Gauge

  • Watch the gauge inside your car. When the needle drops back to the normal range, it’s safer to open the hood.

4. Check the Coolant (Only If the Engine Is Cool!)

  • Once the engine is cool, open the hood.

  • Look at the coolant tank (usually a clear plastic container).

  • If the coolant is low, add more coolant or water if that’s all you have. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot!

5. Call for Help If Needed

  • If you don’t have coolant, if the engine overheats again, or if you see a leak, it’s best to call a tow truck or a mechanic.

6. Get Your Car Checked by a Mechanic

Even if your car seems okay afterward, an overheating engine is a warning sign. It could be something serious like:

  • A coolant leak

  • A broken radiator fan

  • A bad thermostat

  • A failing water pump

A professional can find the cause and fix it before it gets worse.