what to do if your car is running hot

That little temperature gauge on your dashboard is one you rarely think about, until it starts climbing into the red zone. Seeing the needle creep higher than normal can instantly trigger a wave of panic. Your car’s engine creates a tremendous amount of heat, and the cooling system is designed to manage it. When the system fails, knowing what to do if your car is running hot is critical to prevent serious and expensive engine damage.

Immediate Steps to Take When the Gauge Spikes

Your first reaction is the most important. Stay calm and turn off your air conditioner immediately to reduce engine load. Next, turn on your heater and fan to the highest setting. This might make you uncomfortable, but it pulls heat away from the engine and into the cabin, acting as a secondary radiator. This simple step can often buy you precious time to find a safe place to stop.

Finding a Safe Place to Pull Over

Your goal is to get off the road safely and shut the engine down. Look for a level parking lot, a wide shoulder, or any area away from traffic. Do not open the hood right away, as the cooling system is under extreme pressure and contains scalding hot coolant. Let the engine cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before you even think about touching the radiator cap.

What to Do If Your Car Is Running Hot and You’re Stopped

Once the engine has cooled significantly, you can check the coolant overflow tank. Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine. If the reservoir is empty, it confirms a coolant loss is the likely culprit. If you have coolant and water available, you can carefully add it to the overflow tank to the “full cold” line. This might be enough to get you to a repair shop, but drive cautiously and keep a close eye on the temperature gauge.

When to Call for Professional Help

If you see steam pouring from under the hood, notice coolant leaking onto the ground, or the temperature gauge shoots back into the red after you start driving again, it’s time to call for a tow. Continuing to drive an overheating car, even for a short distance, can warp cylinder heads and cause catastrophic engine failure. It’s always safer and cheaper to get a tow than to risk a destroyed engine.

An overheating engine is a clear cry for help from your car. By staying calm and following these steps, you can protect your vehicle from severe damage and ensure you get home safely.