What To Do When Your Car Overheats

An overheating warning calls for a safe stop and prompt attention. Move out of traffic as soon as it is safe, secure the vehicle and shut the engine off. Follow the instructions for the warning in your owner's manual.

Leave the hot cooling system closed

Do not open the hood while steam is escaping. Never remove a radiator or coolant-reservoir pressure cap while the engine or system is hot. Hot coolant can escape under pressure and cause severe burns. No fixed waiting time proves that every engine has cooled fully.

Leave the system closed if you cannot safely confirm its condition. Do not assume adding coolant makes an overheating vehicle safe to drive. The correct coolant and filling procedure are vehicle-specific, and the cause of overheating still needs diagnosis.

Tell the shop what you observed

Note the warning displayed, when it appeared, any steam or visible leak, and whether the engine lost power. Discuss safe transport with your advisor if overheating, coolant loss or a warning persists.

Read our detailed guide to handling an overheating vehicle, then see engine diagnostics and repair or towing information to plan the next step.

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.