Car Overheating? What to Do Right Now to Avoid Engine Damage
Your temperature gauge is in the red. Here is what to do immediately, what NOT to do, and whether it is safe to drive.
Still stuck after this guide? You can ask a mechanic online — see pricing, expert credentials and common questions first.
What to Do Right Now If You Are Driving
Turn off the AC immediately and turn the heater to maximum heat with the fan on high. This sounds counterintuitive but the heater pulls heat away from the engine. Roll down the windows so you are not baking. If the temperature gauge continues to rise, pull over safely as soon as possible. Put the car in park and let the engine idle — do NOT turn it off immediately unless you see steam or the gauge is at the maximum. Idling allows the water pump to continue circulating coolant. If the gauge starts dropping while idling, the engine is recovering.
What NOT to Do
Do NOT open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The cooling system is pressurized and boiling coolant will spray out, causing severe burns. Do NOT pour cold water on a hot engine — the sudden temperature change can crack the engine block. Do NOT keep driving with the temperature gauge in the red — even a few minutes of overheating can warp the cylinder head, blow the head gasket, or seize the engine, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage or a totaled engine.
Common Causes of Overheating
Low coolant level is the most common cause — check the coolant reservoir when the engine has cooled down. If it is empty or low, there is likely a leak in the cooling system. Other causes include a failed thermostat stuck in the closed position (30 to 50 dollars to replace), a broken water pump (200 to 500 dollars), a clogged radiator, a failed radiator fan, or a blown head gasket (1,000 to 2,500 dollars). If coolant is leaking onto the ground or you see white smoke from the exhaust, those indicate specific component failures.
Can You Drive an Overheating Car?
If the temperature drops back to normal after stopping, you can carefully drive short distances to get to a mechanic. Watch the gauge constantly. If it starts rising again, pull over immediately. Do NOT drive long distances or at highway speeds. If the engine produces steam, the temperature gauge is at maximum, or you hear knocking sounds, do NOT drive at all — have the car towed. A tow truck costs 75 to 150 dollars. A new engine costs 3,000 to 7,000 dollars. The tow truck is always the better investment.
