How to Stop an Engine From Overheating
- 1
You can tell very easily if your engine is overheating. There is a temperature gauge on your dashboard. The needle should be right in the middle between blue and red or hot and cold. If the needle is in the red, pull over immediately. You need to take action to get the engine cooled down. When you pull over to the side make sure your are safely off the road far from traffic. - 2). Once your are pulled over shut the car off. Then turn the key one click, and turn on the heat full blast. You will want to roll down the windows and get out of the car after doing this. Putting the heat on will help draw some of the heat out of the engine bay, aiding in the cooling process.
- 3). Pull the hood release to pop the hood. Get out of the vehicle, open the hood and prop it up. Be careful when touching the hood it may be hot.
- 4). Look at the engine and see if you can notice any obvious damages that might cause the vehicle to overheat, such as a broken belt or fan, coolant leak or any sort of debris stuck in the engine or blocking the radiator.
- 5
If everything under the hood looks visually normal and there is no steam of smoke coming from the engine, wait about 15 to 20 minutes for the engine to cool then try and stay it up. If the temperature gauge is normal drive your vehicle to the closest service station and have them look at it. If the engine is still overheating the best option is to call a tow truck. Driving with an overheating engine can cause more damages and cost you more money in the long run.
