What to Do When Your Car Overheats on the Road
An overheating car can quickly escalate into a serious issue if not addressed. This guide covers the steps to take when your engine overheats and explains when to call for a tow.
How to Handle an Overheating Car
Car trouble can strike at the most inconvenient times, and few situations are as stressful as an overheating engine. Understanding how to react quickly and safely can save you from potential vehicle damage or hazardous situations. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this common issue.
Why Do Cars Overheat?
Engines overheat for several reasons, including low coolant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken water pump, or a clogged radiator. Heat builds up when the cooling system can’t properly regulate engine temperature. Left unchecked, overheating can cause serious engine damage.
Steps to Take When Your Car Overheats
1. Pull Over Immediately
As soon as you notice your temperature gauge rising or see steam coming from under the hood, find a safe place to pull over. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Turn Off the Engine
Shut off the engine to prevent further overheating. Letting the car cool down for 15–30 minutes is crucial before taking any further action.
3. Do Not Open the Hood Immediately
Opening the hood right away can be dangerous if the engine is still extremely hot. Wait for the steam to subside and the car to cool before checking anything under the hood.
4. Check Coolant Levels
Once the engine has cooled, inspect the coolant reservoir. If the levels are low, add coolant or water to temporarily stabilize the system. Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot—it can cause burns from steam or hot liquid.
5. Restart the Car and Monitor the Temperature
After adding coolant, restart the car and keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If it stays high, it’s best to avoid driving further.
6. Call for Professional Help
If the problem persists or you’re unsure how to handle the situation, it’s time to call for help. A reliable tow truck service can safely transport your vehicle to a mechanic.
Preventing Overheating
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular inspections of your cooling system, including the radiator, thermostat, and hoses.
- Check Fluids: Ensure coolant levels are sufficient, especially before long trips.
- Be Prepared: Carry extra coolant and water in your car for emergencies.
When to Call for Towing Services
If your car remains undrivable after attempting these steps, professional towing is your safest option. Whether you’re in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, our 24-hour towing service ensures you get the help you need anytime.
Follow a maintenance program
Ante gravida id aenean quis egestas risus nam amet nullam leo diam diam aliquam eu eu malesuada arcu rhoncus suspendisse nulla mattis ut amet sagittis in justo egestas.
search for a trusted mechanic
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit lobortis arcu enim urna adipiscing praesent velit viverra sit semper lorem eu cursus vel hendrerit elementum morbi curabitur etiam nibh justo, lorem aliquet donec sed sit mi dignissim at ante massa mattis.
- Neque sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl purus non tellus orci ac auctor
- Adipiscing elit ut aliquam purus sit amet viverra suspendisse potent
- Mauris commodo quis imperdiet massa tincidunt nunc pulvinar
- Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident sunt in culpa qui officia
Check the air pressure in your tires
Vitae congue eu consequat ac felis placerat vestibulum lectus mauris ultrices cursus sit amet dictum sit amet justo donec enim diam porttitor lacus luctus accumsan tortor posuere praesent tristique magna sit amet purus gravida quis blandit turpis.
Review your suspension frequently
At risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus integer feugiat nisl pretium fusce id velit ut tortor sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget at lectus urna duis convallis. porta nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id faucibus nisl donec pretium vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in.
- Neque sodales ut etiam sit amet nisl purus non tellus orci ac auctor
- Adipiscing elit ut aliquam purus sit amet viverra suspendisse potent
- Mauris commodo quis imperdiet massa tincidunt nunc pulvinar
- Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident sunt in culpa qui officia
Service your vehicle as regularly as posible
At risus viverra adipiscing at in tellus integer feugiat nisl pretium fusce id velit ut tortor sagittis orci a scelerisque purus semper eget at lectus urna duis convallis. porta nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget neque laoreet suspendisse interdum consectetur libero id faucibus nisl donec pretium vulputate sapien nec sagittis aliquam nunc lobortis mattis aliquam faucibus purus in.
“Nisi quis eleifend quam adipiscing vitae aliquet bibendum enim facilisis gravida neque velit euismod in pellentesque”
Conclusion
Eget lorem dolor sed viverra ipsum nunc aliquet bibendum felis donec et odio pellentesque diam volutpat commodo sed egestas aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod eu tincidunt tortor aliquam nulla facilisi aenean sed adipiscing diam donec adipiscing ut lectus arcu bibendum at varius vel pharetra nibh venenatis cras sed felis eget.
