
Here are the steps to handle an overheating car engine: 1. If you notice the engine temperature is too high, immediately pull over and park the vehicle. Place warning signs in front of and behind the car before addressing the overheating issue. 2. Don't turn off the engine immediately. Let it idle for a while with the heater set to maximum, then open the hood to accelerate heat dissipation. Only turn off the engine after the temperature has significantly dropped. 3. Check if the coolant level in the radiator is below the standard line. If it's too low, add coolant promptly. In emergency situations, water can be used temporarily until proper coolant is available. 4. Inspect the radiator, hoses, and other components for leaks. Check if the cooling fan is functioning properly - verify whether it automatically activates during idle. If not, there might be a problem with the fan.

When I see the temperature gauge spike, my first reaction is to pull over and turn off the engine immediately to avoid severe damage. Remember to check the coolant reservoir—low levels usually indicate a leak or evaporation. Adding some distilled water can temporarily help, but antifreeze is the better solution. Then, feel the upper and lower radiator hoses for temperature differences; if both are hot, the thermostat might be stuck. Otherwise, listen for the fan—if it’s not running, the fuse or motor could be faulty. Turning on the heater after stopping can aid cooling, but wait patiently for the engine to cool down before doing so. For prevention, I recommend inspecting the cooling system every 5,000 km, regularly cleaning radiator dust to prevent clogging. High temperatures test patience—don’t rush to open the hood to avoid burns.

Last month, while I was on a long-distance drive, the water temperature suddenly spiked, and the dashboard warning light turned red, which gave me quite a scare. I immediately slowed down and pulled over. After turning off the engine, I popped the hood but avoided touching any hot components. After waiting about ten minutes for the temperature to drop slightly, I checked the coolant level and found the reservoir nearly empty. I temporarily topped it up with bottled water. Later, the mechanic diagnosed it as a small leak in the radiator, which was fixed by replacing it. Now, I make it a habit to glance at the coolant level before every trip to ensure it's within the normal range. I also listen for the sound of the fan—if it's abnormal, I promptly check the fuses or relays. If you encounter this issue, don't push your luck; stopping is always better than risking further damage.

If the water temperature is too high, stop the car and turn off the engine immediately. After cooling down, check the coolant level. If it's low, add purified water as an emergency measure, but prioritize finding a professional to replenish the antifreeze. Listen to see if the fan is running; if not, it may indicate a malfunction. Thermostat issues are also common and require tools for detection. Safety first—forcing the car to run can easily burn the cylinder gasket. During maintenance, regularly replace the coolant to prevent corrosion.

When the coolant temperature is excessively high, the cooling system has failed, possibly due to a stuck water pump causing poor circulation or a locked thermostat unable to regulate flow. The solution is to immediately stop the vehicle and turn off the engine, allowing it to cool naturally. Check if the coolant level is sufficient and whether the fan is operating normally. A diagnostic tool can also be used to read fault codes for further troubleshooting. For prevention, replace the coolant every two years and regularly clean the radiator's exterior to avoid dust clogging, which affects cooling efficiency. Persistent high temperatures may cause internal engine damage, so early intervention is essential.

I often drive my kids to school, and the experience of overheating has made me vigilant. Once, while stuck in traffic, the temperature gauge suddenly shot up. I immediately turned on the hazard lights, pulled over, and turned off the engine. After waiting for half an hour, I checked the coolant reservoir and found the level was too low. I borrowed some water from a passerby to top it up. Later, I discovered that the hose connector had aged and was leaking. I recommend keeping a small bottle of antifreeze in the car, regularly checking the coolant level against the marked line, and listening for any irregular fan noises. Inspect it yourself every month, and if there are any issues, take it to a repair shop as soon as possible—don’t delay.


