Here’s What to Do When Your Car Overheats

An overheating warning, a temperature gauge in the hot range or steam from the engine area needs prompt attention. Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can cause serious engine damage. Your first priority is a safe stopping place, followed by the instructions in your vehicle's owner's manual.

Pull over safely and shut the engine off

Turn off the air conditioning and move out of traffic as soon as it is safe. Stop, secure the vehicle and switch off the engine. Do not keep driving in the hope that the temperature will settle. If your stopping place is unsafe, contact roadside assistance or emergency services as appropriate.

Keep clear of steam and hot coolant

Do not open the hood while steam is escaping. Never remove a radiator or coolant-reservoir pressure cap while the engine or cooling system is hot. Hot coolant can escape under pressure and cause severe burns. A fixed wait of 15 minutes does not establish that every engine is cool enough to inspect.

Wait until the engine has cooled fully and follow the vehicle-specific manual before any inspection. If you cannot confirm the condition safely, leave the system closed and arrange professional help.

Do not assume a top-up makes the vehicle safe to drive

Low coolant, leaks, fan problems and other cooling-system faults can cause overheating. Adding coolant does not diagnose or repair the cause. Coolant type, concentration and filling procedures vary; use only the manufacturer's specified procedure and fluid. Do not restart or continue driving a vehicle that is overheating, losing coolant or showing a persistent warning.

Arrange an inspection and explain what happened

Tell your advisor what the temperature gauge or warning said, whether you saw steam or a leak, and whether the engine lost power. Explain when the problem started and any recent cooling-system work. A photo of a warning taken while safely parked can help; do not reach into a hot engine bay.

Read about engine diagnostics and repair or water-pump diagnosis and replacement. If the vehicle needs transport, see our towing information and confirm the destination with your advisor.

Choose Galley Road, Montebello Lane or Briargate for contact details and appointment options. Call your preferred shop if you are unsure the vehicle can be driven safely.