An overheating car is one of the most stressful and often scary situations a driver can come across. It is especially nerve-wracking if there is no one around to help. But the good thing is that there are temporary fixes that you can apply immediately to cool your engine and potentially save your ride from costly damage.
In this guide, I will share with you some quick and effective temporary fixes for overheating cars, how to spot the warning signs, and when to call a professional. The best part is that you do not need any expensive tools or deep mechanical skills to get started.
Let’s dive in
4 Most Common Symptoms Of an Overheating Car
In rare scenarios, your car, whether you own an SUV, sedan, or a pickup truck, does not give you much warning before things get hot. However, there are always early signs. If you keep an eye open for the symptoms of overheating, there are high chances you can catch things before they get worse.
- Rapidly Rising Engine Temperature Gauge: The most obvious clue is the rising engine temperature gauge. If the needle climbs near or into the red zone, stop your car immediately.
- Steam or Smoke From Under The Hood: If you find sudden steam or smoke coming out from under the bonnet, it is a warning sign of boiling coolant or leaking fluids.
- Loss of Engine Power or Strange Noises: Another sign that your car might be overheating is if you find it struggling to operate or make unusual sounds like knocking.
- Unpleasant Smells: If you smell a sweet scent in your car and you use no air freshener, it may indicate there is a coolant leakage. However, if you come around a burning smell, it means parts are overheating.
Emergency Steps If Your Car Starts Overheating
As soon as you are sure that your car is starting to overheat, the most important thing you can do is stop driving as soon as possible. It is necessary for your safety. Do not panic. In these kinds of situations, it is wise to keep your cool, literally and figuratively.
To help you better, here I have a step-by-step guide regarding what you should do immediately when your engine starts raising the temperature. Do not worry as I have been living by these emergency remedies for years now and have never faced any problems.
Pull Over Safely
Once you encounter any of the most common symptoms of overheating a car, do not keep driving. You not only risk severe engine damage but also your safety and the other vehicles around you on the road. If you keep on driving, it can lead to disastrous results like a serious car collision or crash.
Turn Off The Engine
Your engine needs a breather at this point. So, turn it off. Wait about 15 to 30 minutes and pop open that hood to speed up the process. I insist on never opening the hood immediately after you shut down the engine as you can get exposed to hot steam or fluids, which is dangerous.
Turn The Heater On
Turn the heater of your car on the full blast. Doing this will help the engine cool down. You may think how, but the mechanism is quite simple. The heater inside your vehicle will act as a secondary radiator, drawing the heat away from the engine and helping it cool faster.
Check The Coolant Level
Once the engine is finally at normal temperature, the next step for you is to check for the coolant level in the reservoir. If it is low, carefully add the coolant or distilled water as a temporary fix and call for help.
Do Not Remove The Radiator Cap
I can not stress this part enough that you should never linger around the radiator while the engine is hot. If you try to remove the cap while the engine is still cooling down, you will have hot liquid blasted all over you, causing unbearable burns. Here, patience is the virtue.
Use a Flashlight to Inspect The Radiator Fan
If the coolant level is fine, see if the radiator fan is working properly. If it is not running, it might be the reason your car’s temperature is rising.
5 Best Temporary Fixes for an Overheating Car
If, even after applying the emergency steps, you are still stuck on the road, I have quick fixes that actually work. My mechanic told me these a few years back when I was really struggling with my Camry, and they have been my true savior.
Top off the engine coolant: If you are looking for the most effective temporary fix, this is the one. I recommend you keep a bottle of pre-mixed coolant or distilled water in your car.
Clear debris from the radiator grille: Over time, there is an accumulation over the radiator cap, which can block the airflow, reducing cooling efficiency. Clean it with a wet cloth or tissue properly.
Use your car heater: This one is a lifesaver in emergencies. It helps cool down the engine to the extent that you can either drive to a safe location or a nearby repair shop.
Turn off the air conditioning: This will help reduce the load on your engine, hence lowering its temperature.
Drive slowly and gently: If you have no other option but to drive, avoid acceleration or high speeds.
Please remember that these are temporary fixes. They will only buy you time and not solve the underlying problems. For a permanent fix, you must take your ride to a professional auto repair shop.
Also Read: How to Safely Disconnect a Car Battery Step by Step Guide for Beginners
What is a temporary fix for the overheating car cost?
Most temporary fixes cost little or nothing. From topping off coolant or distilled water to clearing debris and using your heater, it will cost you less than $20. A roadside assistance or mobile service might charge $50 to $150. But if you choose to ignore it, you will end up with repairs costing more than $1,500.
The best thing you can do is have a basic Emergency Cooling Kit in your car. It will cost anywhere between $20 and $40 but can save you hundreds in repair.
We have put together a free downloadable PDF that lists exactly what you should keep on hand. You can download it here. Having it handy will give you peace of mind for long road trips, city drivers, or just daily commutes.
When To See A Mechanic
If your car overheats repeatedly or symptoms do not improve after temporary fixes, it is time you opt for professional help. A mechanic can diagnose well and fix the root causes like a faulty thermostat, blown head gasket, cooling system leaks, and other major issues that you can not solve on the roadside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can you drive an overheating car while driving?
It is always risky to drive an overheating car. If you continue to do so, it can cause engine warping or even total failure. I recommend avoiding it completely, but if you cannot avoid it, keep the drive under a mile or two at low speeds and use your car heater on full blast. Also, watch your temperature gauge closely and stop immediately if it starts rising again.
How to fix the overheating car?
To fix your overheating car, you can start by bringing it to a halt and letting the engine cool down. To be more sure, you can take a look at the coolant level, the most common culprit. However, if your engine is overheating but coolant is full, it means something more complex is at play, and you should seek professional assistance.
What are the common causes of overheating in a car?
If you are thinking things like why is my car overheating all of a sudden, it may be due to low coolant levels, broken radiator fan, faulty thermostat, clogged radiator, leaking hoses, malfunctioning water pump, blown head gasket, faulty serpentine belt, air trapped in cooling system, and external coolant leaks.
Can I jump start my car if it is overheating?
No, you should never try to jump start your vehicle when your engine temperature is high, as it can lead to severe consequences. If, during the temperature-rising fiasco, your ride shuts down, just call for roadside assistance.
Can pouring water into the radiator fix overheating?
Pouring water into your car’s radiator can help handle the overheating. However, it is not a permanent solution. When you are pouring the water, try to use distilled water if possible. Also, never pour cold water on a hot engine as it can lead to cracking of the engine block.
Conclusion
Engine overheating is stressful, especially if this situation arises in traffic, in the heat, or when you are on a stranded road. However, if you spot the warning signs and act fast, you can avoid permanent damage. Keep an Emergency Cooling Kit in your car. Use temporary fixes when necessary, but remember that they’re just temporary. Don’t rely on them for long. Let a trusted mechanic inspect your car once you’ve cooled things down.
And don’t forget that Emergency Cooling Kit Essentials PDF. It’s simple, it’s free, and it could be the difference between a controlled roadside stop and a totaled engine.
