
If your car is overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater to its highest temperature and fan speed. This pulls heat away from the engine. Safely pull over and shut off the engine to prevent serious damage. Do not attempt to open the hot radiator cap. The cause is often a faulty cooling system component, like a thermostat, water pump, or leak.
An overheating engine is a critical warning. Continuing to drive can lead to a seized engine and catastrophic damage, resulting in repair costs often exceeding $3,000-$5,000 for a new engine. The goal is to manage the situation safely and get professional help.
Once the engine is cool—which can take over an hour—you can check a few things. Visually inspect under the hood for obvious coolant leaks from hoses or the radiator. Check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir (never the radiator when hot). If it's low, you can carefully add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. However, this is usually a temporary fix for a larger problem. The most reliable course of action is to have the car towed to a trusted mechanic for a proper diagnosis of the underlying issue.
| Common Cause of Overheating | Typical Repair Cost Range (USD) | Approximate Repair Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat Replacement | $150 - $400 | 1-2 hours |
| Water Pump Replacement | $400 - $800 | 2-3 hours |
| Radiator Replacement | $500 - $1,100 | 2-4 hours |
| Radiator Hose Replacement | $100 - $300 | 1 hour |
| Head Gasket Replacement | $1,500 - $3,000+ | 8-12+ hours |

Pull over right away and kill the engine. Pop the hood to let heat out, but don't touch anything. That radiator cap is like a pressure cooker lid—it will spray boiling coolant everywhere if you open it hot. Wait until it's completely cool before you even think about adding water. Honestly, your best bet is to call for a tow truck. Driving it while it's hot is a sure way to blow the engine.

The first thing I do is crank the heat up full blast. It sounds crazy, but it helps pull heat from the engine. I find a safe spot to pull over and turn the car off immediately. I once made the mistake of trying to check the radiator when it was steaming, and I learned my lesson. Now, I just wait for a tow. It’s cheaper than replacing an engine block.

Safety is the priority. Get the vehicle off the road. Engine off. Hazard lights on. The cooling system is under extreme pressure when hot. Never open the radiator cap. After the engine has cooled for at least an hour, you can inspect the coolant reservoir. If it's empty, there's a leak. Adding coolant might get you to a shop, but the root cause needs to be diagnosed by a professional to prevent a repeat incident.


