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Long drives and road trips require a lot of planning and the first on your list should be your vehicle's maintenance if you want a hassle free drive and to avoid unexpected issues such as car overheating.  

Modern cars have sophisticated cooling systems with heat sensors and computer controlled electric fans designed to keep the engine running in any type of weather. However, this doesn't guarantee that the car won't overheat. 

Overheating can be an indication of a much bigger problem and may lead to some serious damage or expensive repairs when ignored.

Knowing what to do when your car overheats is a survival skill that every vehicle owner must know to ensure not just the engine's optimal lifespan and performance but also your own safety. 

This guide will help you learn the reasons and steps to follow with overheating so you can drive safely and enjoy your trip:

What Causes A Car To Overheat?

There could be several reasons why the car engine could be overheating but generally, cars overheat because of a problem with the cooling system that doesn’t allow heat to leave the engine compartment.

When your car’s engine temperature gauge on your dashboard starts moving closer to the red “H” on your dashboard, or if a steam is coming from the front of the vehicle under the hood. This is an indication that your engine is overheating. 

Most common causes of overheating are low or leaking coolant, clogged radiators, malfunctioning thermostat, faulty cooling fan, bad water pump and damaged radiator hose. Certain driving conditions, like climbing an uphill or stop-and-go traffic on a hot day, can also put significant stress on the cooling system, causing it to fail.  

That’s why, as with most car issues, maintenance is the key. Regularly check your car’s coolant and oil levels and inspect hoses, fans, the thermostat, and other parts in the cooling system to minimize the chance of any engine damage. 

What To Do When Your Car Overheats

Don’t Panic

Once you notice any overheating, stay calm and don't panic. As we all know, panic prevents reason and proper reaction to things.  

You may endanger yourself and the others if you panic and you lose control over the car. Not to mention causing major engine or car damage.

Turn the A/C off & Open the Windows

As soon as you realize that the car is overheating, turn off the AC right away and open the windows. This will help take some load off the engine and reduce its temperature. 

Turn On The Heater And Blower

It may sound counterintuitive but turning on the heater will lessen the burden on the engine’s cooling system and reduce its temperature by drawing the warmth away from the engine and into the passenger compartment.

You’ll know it’s working once the temperature gauge returns to the neutral position or the warning light goes off.

Rev The Engine While In Idle

Once you notice that the temperature is increasing while in traffic, rev the engine a bit after shifting the gear to ‘Park’ or ‘Neutral’.

This process boosts the liquid and air circulation to help cool the engine off. It speeds up the water pump and the fan, pulling more air and water through the radiator.  

Pull Over And Wait

After you’ve been driving for a few minutes with the heater on, the AC off and the windows open and the car continues to overheat, pull over and turn the engine off. It’s the surest and safest way to cool the overheated engine. 

Wait at least 15 to a good 30 minutes for the engine to cool. If you have roadside assistance, now is a good time to call, as you may need a tow. 

Do not attempt to open the hood, there’s a risk of being sprayed with hot water or steam. And don’t try to open the radiator cap to release some pressure and heat. Wait until the engine goes back to the normal temperature. 

Add Coolant

Adding coolant usually solves the overheating problem since engines typically overheat due to low coolant. 

Once you have waited for at least 15 minutes and the hood is cool to touch, you can now add more coolant. Never use cold water to cool the engine. The drastic temperature change can cause your engine block or other engine components to crack.

This is just a temporary fix, though. You still need to have your engine checked. It's just enough to let you drive safely to the nearest repair shop.  

Drive To The Nearest Mechanic

An overheating engine is not a problem to be ignored and underestimated. Again, it may lead to a more serious damage which means lots of lost money, time, and nerves if not addressed and fixed right away.

The right course of action is to have a professional inspect your car’s cooling system to resolve the root cause of the problem.

Conclusion

Always pay attention to the engine temperature especially in situations when you think the coolant system is under extra pressure. During the summer season, in city traffic, and in long uphill drives. 

The moment you see any signs of overheating, don't panic and try the steps above. 

If the situation is out of hand, seek professional help as soon as possible.