11 Things to do When Your Car Engine Overheats

A critical skill to possess as a licensed driver is knowing how to deal with an overheated engine. When you are able to fix simple engine issues, you’ll be able to get on the road quickly and prevent major mechanical problems in the future.

You’ll also be more confident in knowing when to seek professional mechanical help.

1. Don’t panic

Even though the overheated engine is a serious condition, it cannot cause you immediate harm. The moment your pressure gauge turns red, or you notice steam coming from your engine, pull over and find somewhere safe to park.

When you see white clouds coming from the engine, it is not smoke but steam that is being released from an overheated engine.

Pullover immediately and do the following:

• Open the vehicle windows and turn off the air conditioning
• Open all the heat fans and allow the heat to come out of the engine
• If you are still driving, turn on the hazards, and drive at a constant pace until you find a safe place to pull over

2. Open the hood when cold

Do not open the hood on the car while it is still emitting steam. If the hood is too hot, wait until it cools down before you try to pop it open.

Opening the hood helps to dissipate excess heat in the engine.

Turn off the engine, leave the ignition on, and let your light and dashboard lights stay on. This helps the engine fans to continue running without the engine running which helps speed up the cooling process.

Allow the engine to cool off before you touch it. The cooling can take as long as 30 to 40 minutes. Avoid serious burns.

When the engine has completely cooled, open the radiator cap.

3. Inspect the upper radiator hose

You can squeeze the upper part of the radiator hose to verify that the engine does not have a lot of built-up pressure. This will help you determine if it is safe to remove the radiator cap.

If the hose feels firm and it is difficult to squeeze, then there is a likelihood that the system is still pressurised and you should not attempt to remove the radiator cap.

To avoid getting burnt, use a rag or a towel when handling the hose.

4. Don’t open the radiator cap until it is cool

The pressure built inside the radiator can shoot a hot jet of steam into your face if it is not sufficiently cooled. Note that an overheated engine may have a coolant that is as hot as 260 Fahrenheit.

Inside the system is sealed. Unfortunately, once it is exposed to air, it will boil and can cause severe burns to you. Wait until the system has completely cooled.

5. Use a towel to remove the radiator cap

Once you remove the cap, the fluid inside will be exposed to the atmosphere. If your radiator cap does not have threads, you will have to push it down so that you can loosen it to clear the safety lock.

6. Inspect the coolant reservoir tank

Once the engine has cooled enough, you can check the coolant reservoir tank.

The engine will take between 30 and 45 minutes to become completely cold. The coolant tank looks like a plastic milk jug, and it is connected with the radiator cap.

On its side, you will see a mark that shows how full it should be.

7. Find leaks in the engine

One of the major causes of the engine overheating is a leak in a coolant system. If you find fluid around the hose or radiator cap, some pooling under the car, especially when your coolant reservoir tank is empty, then there is a leak.

It is important to remember that all cooling systems depend on pressure to function. Therefore, a small leak that has not drained coolant may still cause considerable problems.

Note that coolant has a sweet smell; it shows up on the hoses, and under the car, or at the radiator cap. It flows like water, and it is not as thick as oil.

The colour of the coolant depends on the car’s make and model. In older models, the coolant is green.

8. Refill the coolant

After the car’s engine has cooled down, it is time to discover the temperature of the coolant. Open the radiator cap and pour the coolant into the tank.

Sometimes it is advisable to mix the coolant and water in equal parts and then add to engines that are made to take a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant.

If you are on a tight budget, water is a good substitute for coolant, but it is not advisable to use for a long time. Check with your local mechanic for the best advice.

9. Start the car and check the temperature gauge

Once you have refilled the coolant tank, turn on the car and see if the temperature gauge turns red.

If that is the case, turn off the car again and wait for another 10 to 15 minutes for the car to cool further before you start driving. If it doesn’t turn red, you can drive the car. Otherwise, refer to a mechanic for professional advice.

10. Call a tow-truck

Sometimes the problem won’t clear, or you may discover other significant issues. This is now the time to call a tow truck and get to the nearest mechanic.

For example, if you have a leak in the coolant system and it is dripping oil, you can’t get the engine to cool down and therefore you will need a tow truck to take you to your mechanic.

Remember that if the engine is still overheating it can ruin your car’s motor. Take care of the problem in good time.

If you’re not in a position to call a tow truck, allow the car to cool as much as possible before you start driving it again.

11. Use a smart technology

Use  GOFAR to help you to find your car engine’s sweet spot and reduce risk of overheating. GOFAR helps you to efficiently to save fuel and reduce wear and on your brakes and avoid engine overheating.

Other areas where the GOFAR app and device can help you include;

• Tracking car mileage for tax deductions
• Alerting you when the car has a fault
• Explaining the car faults in plain English
• Reminding the driver Registration & Insurance dues
• Saving fuel by finding the engine’s sweet spot