What to Do When the Car Shows Engine Overheating?
3 Answers
The solutions for a car showing engine overheating are as follows: 1. If the car engine's radiator temperature is too high, pull over to a safe area, set up a warning sign, open the engine hood, and turn off the engine. Then wait for a while until the engine's water temperature has sufficiently dropped before checking the engine's coolant level; 2. Check the engine radiator's water level and top it up. When opening the radiator cap, use a wet towel to cover it, slowly release the gas to prevent hot water from spraying and causing burns. Then inspect the entire cooling system, including the radiator, cooling fan, water tank, thermostat, and water pump to ensure they are working properly. After confirming there are no other faults, you can start the engine and continue driving; 3. If there is no water shortage and the engine overheating is caused by mechanical failure leading to high radiator temperature, you can only go to a repair shop.
That day I saw a red warning light on the dashboard indicating the engine was overheating, which really scared me. I remember a friend once told me that an overheated engine is no small matter—it can easily damage internal components or even cause a fire. So I immediately turned on the right turn signal, found a safe spot to pull over, and turned off the engine. Don’t rush to pop the hood—hot water or steam could spray out and burn you. Wait patiently for it to cool down. It’s best to call emergency services or contact a repair shop. The issue is likely a problem with the cooling system, such as low or leaking coolant, a stuck fan, or a faulty water pump, which is also common. Regular maintenance and checking fluid levels can help—don’t wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
I have some knowledge about cars, and engine overheating is quite dangerous, so it needs to be addressed immediately. The most common causes are insufficient coolant or a leaking radiator, followed by water pump failure, a broken fan belt, or issues with the electric fan. When the temperature rises, first turn off the AC to reduce the load, turn on the hazard lights, and slowly pull over to stop and turn off the engine. Don’t recklessly drive to the repair shop, as it could lead to cylinder scoring and engine failure. After waiting half an hour, check the coolant reservoir level and look for any leaks. You can add some distilled water as an emergency measure, but it’s best to call a professional tow truck to prevent further damage. Remember to check the cooling system monthly to prevent issues.
