If your car is overheating, the immediate steps are to turn off the air conditioner, turn on the heater to its highest setting and fan speed to draw heat away from the engine, and safely pull over to let the engine cool. Never attempt to open the hot radiator cap, as this can cause severe burns from erupting steam and coolant. An overheating engine is a serious issue often caused by coolant leaks, a faulty thermostat, a broken water pump, or a malfunctioning cooling fan. The following table outlines common causes and their typical indicators: | Cause of Overheating | Common Symptoms | Approximate Repair Cost (Parts & Labor) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Low Coolant Level | Visible leak under car, frequent need to top off reservoir | $20 (top-up) to $200+ (if leak repair needed) | | Faulty Thermostat | Temperature gauge fluctuates wildly, heater blows cold air | $150 - $400 | | Broken Water Pump | Coolant leak from front of engine, whining noise | $500 - $900 | | Radiator Blockage | Overheats in traffic but cools on highway, A/C not working well | $150 - $600 (flush or replacement) | | Cooling Fan Failure | Temperature rises only when idling or in slow traffic | $300 - $650 | Once the vehicle is safely parked and the engine has cooled completely (this can take 30-45 minutes), you can check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir. If it's low, you can carefully add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. However, this is often a temporary fix. The underlying problem requires professional diagnosis to prevent serious engine damage like a warped cylinder head, which can lead to repair bills exceeding $2,000. Driving an overheating car, even for a short distance, is a major risk.
