1Signs of Overheating
Temperature gauge in the red zone, steam from under the hood, sweet smell of coolant, or the temperature warning light are all signs of overheating.
2Immediate Actions
Pull over safely as soon as possible. Turn off the AC and turn ON the heater to full—this helps dissipate engine heat. If steam is visible, turn off the engine immediately.
Pro Tip: NEVER open the hood or radiator cap while hot. Wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool.
3After Cooling
Check coolant level in the reservoir (not the radiator cap). If low, you can add coolant or water to get to a service location. But this is temporary—you need to find and fix the leak.
4Common Causes
Low coolant, failed thermostat, broken water pump, clogged radiator, or failed radiator fan. Don't drive further than necessary—continued overheating causes severe engine damage.
Key Takeaways
- 1Pull over immediately when overheating
- 2Turn on heater to dissipate heat
- 3Wait 30 minutes before opening hood
- 4Don't continue driving—get it towed
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