Knowing how to cool an overheated engine is an important skill for a licensed driver.Being able to diagnose and fix your own issues can get you back on the road quickly, prevent costly mechanical issues and help you learn when to seek professional help.
Step 1: Pull over as soon as you can.
An overheating engine won't cause you immediate harm.Slow down and pull over if you notice steam coming from your engine, or if your temperature gauge hits the red.If you notice white clouds coming from your engine, it is not smoke but steam that is coming off an overheated engine and you have some time to pull over.Turn off the AC and open the windows if you can't pull over immediately.It draws heat from your engine if you crank the heat and fans all the way up.Go at a slow, constant pace until you can stop.
Step 2: When there isn't any steam coming out, pop the hood.
Pop the hood if the car isn't too hot.It is advisable to wait until the hood cools before you open it.The heat from the engine can be dissipated by opening the hood.Leave the key in the ignition when the engine is turned off.The lights should still be on.The cooling fans will be able to continue running without the engine running, which will help speed up the cooling process.The engine should be cool before you open it.The cooling process could take up to 30 minutes, but will save you from burns.
Step 3: The upper hose needs to be checked.
You can determine whether your system is under pressure by squeezing the upper radiator hose.If it feels hard to squeeze and the system is still pressurized, you should not remove the cap.It is safe to remove the cap if the hose is easy to squeeze.When handling this hose, use a rag or towel as it can be very hot.
Step 4: Don't put the cap on until it's cool.
The steam and pressure inside can shoot fluid back at you.Leave the cap on the car for as long as you can.Leave it if it feels warm.The engine's cooling system may be as hot as 260F.It won't boil inside a sealed system.It can cause severe burns if exposed to the air.Wait for the system to cool down.
Step 5: Turn the cap on the car.
To turn the cap carefully, use a thick towel or rag.The fluid inside the expansion tank will be exposed by the cap.If your cap doesn't have threads, you will need to push down on it in order to clear the safety lock.You can remove the cap completely with this.
Step 6: The engine should have cooled enough for you to check the coolant tank.
This can take up to 30 minutes.The tank looks like a milk jug and is connected to the cap.There is a mark on the side that tells you how full it should be.
Step 7: The engine needs to be checked for leaks.
A leak in the coolant system is the most common cause of engine overheating.If the coolant is low or empty, look for fluid on the engine or underneath the car.Even a small leak that hasn't drained a lot of coolant can cause problems because cooling systems need pressure to function.It smells sweet and can show up on hoses, under the car, or around the radiator cap.It flows like water, unlike oil which has a thicker consistency.Your car's make and model can affect the color of the coolant.
Step 8: After the car has cooled down, refill the coolant.
Once the car has cooled down, add some coolant to it.If you want to pour a little in, open the cap.Most engines are made to function with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water if you have water.You don't want to use water for too long in a pinch.
Step 9: The temperature gauge should be checked after the car is turned on.
Is it shooting up into the sky?If that is the case, you should turn the car off and wait another 15 minutes for it to cool off.You should be able to keep driving until you see a mechanic.
Step 10: If the issue doesn't go away, call a tow-truck.
If you can't get the engine to cool down, call a tow-truck immediately.If you aren't careful, engine overheating can ruin a motor.Before restarting the car, be sure to let it cool down as much as possible.
Step 11: Keep driving after the temperature gauge goes down.
If you can help, you don't want to keep driving.Sometimes you have to keep moving until you can help.If the car does not heat up again, you may have had a one-time overheating due to a variety of factors.You need to keep an eye on the temperature gauge.If your car senses overheating before serious engine damage, you have some time to fix it.This doesn't mean you should ignore your gauge.
Step 12: Turn off the AC.
Air conditioning uses engine power to cool off the car, and you don't need your engine under any more strain than it can handle.To cool off, open the windows.
Step 13: Your heat can be revved up to full blast.
Cars warm up by sucking heat from the engine and putting it into the car.It is possible to pull hot air out of the engine by turning your fans and heat to the highest settings.It might get a little uncomfortable.The window should be pointed out to prevent the cab from getting too hot.You can set the heat to the "defroster" setting so that it doesn't blow on you.
Step 14: Put the car in park.
Go up to 2000rpms with the car in neutral.This helps the engine and the fan circulate air quicker and helps you remove some heat from the car.If you're in stop/start traffic, this could be a great way to keep the engine running.
Step 15: If you're out of coolant, add water to the engine.
Water will help keep your engine cool.After the engine has cooled, add warm water to your radiator.Extreme change in temperature can cause a crack in your engine block.
Step 16: If you need to keep moving, drive for a short time, turn the car off, and repeat.
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge if you must drive with an overheating engine.When it gets hot, pull over, turn the car off, and wait for 10 to 20 minutes as the temperature cools.This isn't great for the engine, but it's better than trying to drive through it and cause a complete meltdown.
Step 17: It is likely that you will need to take your car to the mechanic.
If you can't start your car, you need to see a mechanic.There is a bigger issue that needs to be fixed before a major meltdown, even if these tips help you deal with overheating.
Step 18: Instead of stopping and starting in traffic, drive at a slow and steady pace.
Stopping and starting can cause the engine to heat up, especially in older cars.You will likely have to stop again when you reach the next car's bumper if you let your car roll forward slowly.At red lights and stop signs, it's a good idea to check your temperature gauge.
Step 19: The windows can be used to cool the car.
Extra strain on the engine is caused by the AC using engine power to cool the air in the car.The first thing to do when your car is overheating is to turn off the AC, but you should not use it if you don't want it to heat up.If you are late for an inspection or have unresolved AC issues, try not to use the AC at all.
Step 20: Change your oil and have your fan checked at the same time.
When old oil is combined with low coolant, it can lead to overheating.It's a good idea to ask the mechanics to look at your fan when you get your oil changed.The fan is still working to cool the car off, so you should hear it whine after you turn it off.
Step 21: It's a good idea to top off your coolant at the beginning of summer.
Make sure that the levels on the sides are where they need to be, by checking your coolant reservoir.Add equal parts coolant and water to the recommended level if they are a little low.If you live in hot areas, this is important.Take a few minutes to look for any leaks when checking the coolant.It smells sweet and is usually green.You can check under the car, around the engine, and on the hoses.
Step 22: You should have an emergency kit in your car.
You don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without an engine.If you need to keep driving to get to a mechanic, a simple kit will help keep you and your car safe.You should pack something extra.A gallon of water.A set of tools.A flashlight.There is noperishable food.A blanket.A razor blade.There is duct tape.There are flat head screwdrivers.