What to Do When the Engine Overheats?

[VonAmir]

Here are some solutions for engine overheating: 1. Park in a shady area: Idle the car without turning off the engine, open the hood, turn on the heater to dissipate heat as quickly as possible. If possible, park the car in a cool place. 2. Check for leaks in the pipes: Inspect the radiator connecting pipes for any leaks, then check if the coolant is sufficient. If there is no available coolant in the car, you can use mineral water as a temporary substitute, but remember to replace it with new coolant afterward. 3. Do not add coolant immediately: As physics teaches us, heat causes expansion and cold causes contraction. Boiling water in a sealed container generates pressure. If you open the radiator cap immediately after the water boils, the internal pressure may cause the boiling water to spray out, potentially causing burns. 4. Seek professional help: For engine overheating, the most an average person can do is check and add coolant. If the overheating is caused by other faults, it's best to seek help from professionals.

[StRylee]

I've been driving for quite some years and have encountered engine overheating several times. The most important thing is not to panic. The first reaction should be to immediately find a safe place to pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool down—continuing to drive could damage internal engine components. Then wait for the water temperature to drop, roughly about half an hour, and don’t rush to open the hood as it could cause burns. After that, put on gloves and check the coolant reservoir: open the hood to see if the fluid level is low, and if it is, add some distilled water as an emergency measure, but be sure to replace it with antifreeze as soon as possible to avoid corrosion. Also, listen to see if the fan is running—fan failure is a common cause. Once during a long highway drive, this happened to me, and it turned out the fan was stuck; after cleaning it, everything worked fine. Finally, always get a professional inspection to identify the root cause, such as a clogged radiator or a leaking water pump—delaying will only cost more. Prevention is key: regularly check the coolant color and level, pay extra attention to maintenance in the summer, and have the cooling system inspected before long trips. Developing these habits can help avoid breakdowns on the road.