What to Do When a Car Overheats?
2 Answers
Methods to handle an overheating car: 1. Find a safe place to park, let the vehicle idle without turning off the engine, because turning off the engine will stop the cooling fan and coolant circulation, which will make the engine even hotter; 2. Open the hood to increase air circulation, wait for the water temperature to drop before adding water to the radiator, unscrew the cap one notch, and wait for the internal steam to escape before fully opening; 3. Check the radiator connecting pipes for leaks, then inspect whether the coolant is sufficient; 4. Faced with an overheating engine, the most an ordinary person can usually do is check and add coolant. For issues caused by faults like the water pump or thermostat, one can only call for roadside assistance.
Once while driving, I suddenly smelled a strange odor and noticed the temperature gauge was maxed out—turns out the engine had overheated. I immediately pulled over to a safe spot, turned off the engine and AC, and let it cool naturally for at least 20 minutes to avoid steam burns. After cooling, I checked the coolant level and topped it up temporarily with distilled water if low. That incident made me realize the importance of routine checks: regularly inspecting the radiator for leaks, ensuring the fan works properly, and watching for belt wear that could cause water pump failure. Now, I always carry a spare bottle of coolant for long trips. Overheating often stems from aging parts or poor maintenance, so I recommend a professional cooling system inspection every six months to avoid breakdowns and engine damage.
