Car Overheating? Here's What to Do (Don't Panic)

# Car Overheating? Here's What to Do

That temperature gauge creeping into the red is never a good sign. An overheating engine can cause serious damage if not handled properly, but don't panic — here's exactly what to do.

Warning Signs Your Engine Is Overheating

• **Temperature gauge in the red zone**
• **Steam or smoke from under the bonnet**
• **Sweet smell** (coolant has a distinctive sweet odour)
• **Warning light on dashboard** (usually looks like a thermometer in water)
• **Engine running rough** or loss of power

What to Do Immediately

Step 1: Turn Off the A/C, Turn On the Heat

• This sounds counterintuitive, but:
• **Turn off the air conditioning** — it puts extra load on the engine
• **Turn the heater to maximum** — this draws heat away from the engine
• **Set fan to highest** — helps dissipate engine heat

Yes, you'll be uncomfortable. But this can buy you crucial minutes.

Step 2: Pull Over Safely

• Find a safe place to stop as soon as possible
• Hard shoulder, car park, side street — anywhere safe
• Turn on your hazard lights
• Put the car in park or neutral

Step 3: DON'T Open the Bonnet Yet

• **Wait at least 15-20 minutes** before opening the bonnet. The cooling system is under pressure and extremely hot — opening it too soon risks:
• Severe burns from steam
• Scalding from hot coolant
• Injury from pressurised fluid

Let the engine cool down first.

Step 4: Check Coolant Level (When Safe)

Once cooled: 1. Open the bonnet carefully 2. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) 3. Check the level against the MIN/MAX markers 4. Never open the radiator cap when hot — pressure can cause boiling coolant to erupt

Step 5: Add Coolant or Water (Temporary Fix)

• If coolant is low and you have some:
• Add coolant slowly to the reservoir
• If no coolant available, plain water works temporarily
• Don't pour cold water into a hot engine — let it cool first

Common Causes of Overheating

| Cause | Signs | Fix | |-------|-------|-----| | Low coolant | Reservoir empty, no leaks visible | Top up coolant | | Coolant leak | Puddle under car, sweet smell | Find and repair leak | | Faulty thermostat | Sudden overheat, no warning | Replace thermostat | | Broken water pump | Squealing noise, no circulation | Replace water pump | | Blocked radiator | Gradual overheat, AC works poorly | Flush or replace radiator | | Failed radiator fan | Overheat at idle, fine when moving | Replace fan motor | | Head gasket failure | White smoke, milky oil | Major repair needed |

When to Call for Help

You should call a mobile mechanic if:

• **You can't identify the cause**
• **Coolant is leaking** (you'll lose it again)
• **Adding coolant doesn't help**
• **Warning light stays on**
• **You're in an unsafe location**
• **Engine is making unusual noises**
• **Steam is still coming out after cooling**

Why Choose a Mobile Mechanic?

• Getting towed to a garage can be expensive and inconvenient. A mobile mechanic can:
• **Diagnose the problem on-site**
• **Fix minor issues immediately** (thermostat, hoses, coolant top-up)
• **Advise if the car is safe to drive**
• **Save you the cost of towing**

Preventing Future Overheating

1. Check coolant regularly — once a month, or before long trips 2. Service your cooling system — flush every 30,000 miles 3. Watch your temperature gauge — especially in traffic or hot weather 4. Fix small leaks early — they become big problems 5. Keep an eye on warning lights — don't ignore them

Is It Safe to Keep Driving?

• **Generally NO.** Driving an overheating car risks:
• Warped cylinder head
• Cracked engine block
• Seized engine
• Thousands in repair bills

• If you must move the car:
• Drive only a very short distance (to a safe spot)
• Keep heater on maximum
• Watch the gauge constantly
• Stop immediately if it rises again

Get Help Now

Stuck with an overheating engine? Get a mobile mechanic to you fast:

1. Open the Hault app 2. Select "Overheating / Coolant Issue" 3. Get matched with a nearby mechanic 4. Track their arrival in real-time

Most mechanics arrive within 30 minutes and can diagnose and often fix the issue on the spot.

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*Hault connects you with trusted mobile mechanics across the UK. Don't risk engine damage — get help when you need it.*