What To Do If Your Car Is Overheating

Summer trips and open roads are wonderful until the dreaded happens – your car starts overheating. Knowing what to do when your car overheats is crucial for your safety and to prevent costly engine damage. It’s more common than you might think for a car to overheat, so being prepared is essential for every driver.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Car Overheating

Your car usually gives you several warnings before it gets dangerously overheated. Being aware of these signs can help you take action quickly and prevent serious problems. Here are key indicators to watch out for:

Unusual Sweet Smell: A sweet odor emanating from the engine area is often a sign of leaking coolant (antifreeze). This is a critical warning and should not be ignored.
Steam or Smoke from Under the Hood: Visible steam, which may appear like smoke, rising from under the hood is a clear indication of overheating. Pull over immediately if you see this.
Temperature Gauge Spiking: Keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge. If the needle moves into the red zone or reaches “H” (hot), your engine is overheating. Refer to your owner’s manual to understand your vehicle’s specific temperature gauge.
Dashboard Warning Lights: The “Check Engine” light or a dedicated “Temperature” warning light illuminating on your instrument cluster can also signal an overheating engine.

Immediate Steps: What To Do When Your Car Overheats

If you notice any of the overheating signs, it’s time to act quickly and safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your car is overheating:

The Dos: Actions to Take

Do Turn Off the Air Conditioner: The AC puts extra strain on your engine. Turning it off immediately reduces the heat load and helps the engine cool down slightly.
Do Turn On the Heater: Counterintuitive as it sounds, turning on your car’s heater can actually help. It draws heat away from the engine and into the passenger cabin. Turn the fan on high and open your windows to manage the heat inside the car.
Do Find a Safe Place to Pull Over: As soon as it is safe, pull your car off the road and away from traffic. Turn off the engine completely.
Do Let the Engine Cool Down: Allow your engine to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes. Monitor the temperature gauge if your car has one. Wait until the needle returns to the normal range before proceeding.
Do Call for Assistance: Overheating usually indicates a problem that needs professional attention. Call a tow truck or a friend who can help you get your car to a repair shop.
Do Add Coolant (If Safe and Available): If you have extra coolant and it is safe to do so (after the engine has cooled down significantly), you can carefully add coolant to the radiator reservoir. Never open the radiator cap itself when the engine is hot as it is pressurized and can cause severe burns. Only add coolant to the reservoir if it is low.
Do Restart and Drive to a Repair Shop (Cautiously): If towing isn’t immediately possible and you’ve added coolant, you can carefully restart the engine and drive to the nearest repair shop. Keep a constant watch on the temperature gauge. If it starts to rise again, pull over immediately and let the engine cool down further. Be prepared to pull over multiple times.

The Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Keep Driving: Ignoring the signs and continuing to drive an overheating car can lead to severe and expensive engine damage, such as a cracked cylinder head or warped engine block.
Don’t Panic: While overheating is serious, panicking won’t help. Stay calm, focus on safely pulling over, and follow the steps outlined.
Don’t Open the Hood Immediately: When your engine is overheating, temperatures under the hood are extremely high. Opening it immediately risks burns from hot steam and fluids. Wait until the temperature gauge is back to normal or the warning light is off before attempting to open the hood.
Don’t Assume It Will Fix Itself: An overheating engine is a symptom of an underlying problem. It will not resolve itself. You need to get your car checked by a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.

Preventing Car Overheating: Proactive Maintenance

Preventing your car from overheating in the first place is always better than dealing with the consequences. Regular maintenance of your car’s cooling system is key to preventing overheating issues.

The cooling system, regulated by the thermostat, circulates coolant through the engine and radiator. This process dissipates heat and prevents corrosion. A properly functioning cooling system is crucial for maintaining optimal engine temperature and preventing overheating.

Simple Steps: Checking Your Coolant Level

Regularly checking your coolant level is a simple preventative measure you can take. It’s recommended to check it every few months or before long road trips.

Here’s how to check your coolant level:

Release the Hood Latch: Open the hood of your car.
Locate the Radiator Reservoir: This is typically a translucent white plastic tank, often near the radiator.
Inspect the Coolant Level: Check the markings on the side of the reservoir. The coolant level should be between the “Min” or “Low” and “Max” or “Full” lines.
Add Coolant if Necessary (When Cool): If the coolant level is below the “Low” mark, wait until the engine is completely cool before adding more coolant. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type of coolant for your vehicle. Use a funnel to avoid spills. If you are unsure, a professional service center like Jiffy Lube can assist you.

Professional Radiator Coolant Exchange Service

For comprehensive cooling system maintenance, consider a regularly scheduled radiator coolant exchange at a service center like Jiffy Lube. The recommended interval for coolant exchange varies by vehicle, so check your owner’s manual.

During a coolant exchange service, trained technicians will:

Safely drain and dispose of the old coolant.
Refill the system with new coolant that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Inspect cooling system components like seals, gaskets, and hoses for any signs of wear or damage.
Replace any worn parts (with your approval) to ensure the system’s integrity.

Comprehensive Vehicle Check-Up with Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change

Consider a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, especially before summer or long trips. In addition to an oil change, this service includes checks of essential vehicle systems and topping off vital fluids, including coolant. This comprehensive approach helps ensure your vehicle is in top condition and reduces the risk of overheating.

Trust Jiffy Lube for Preventive Car Care

Jiffy Lube technicians are trained in preventive maintenance and use quality products like Pennzoil®. They install parts that meet or exceed OEM recommendations. You can rely on Jiffy Lube to help keep your car running smoothly and safely, and to help prevent issues like overheating.

Learn More About Car Care

For further reading on car maintenance and related topics, explore these resources:

Summer Car Care Tips from Jiffy Lube experts.
Understanding On-Board Diagnostics and the Check Engine Light.
Visit the Jiffy Lube Resource Center for regularly updated automotive maintenance information.

Note: Service availability may vary by location. Please check jiffylube.com or call ahead to confirm service availability at your local Jiffy Lube service center.