Overheating Car? AAA’s 5 Summer 2025 Tips to Avoid Engine Failure

July 17, 2025 – As temperatures across the US hit record highs this month, AAA is seeing a spike in calls about overheating vehicles. With summer 2025 expected to be one of the hottest on record, knowing what to do when your car’s temperature gauge spikes is more critical than ever. AAA’s automotive experts have shared updated guidance based on the latest vehicle technology and climate trends.

Why Cars Overheat More Often This Summer

Modern engines run hotter than ever to meet emissions standards, but extreme heat pushes cooling systems to their limits. According to a 2025 AAA survey, nearly 40% of drivers under 30 have never checked their coolant level. Combined with aging radiators and failing water pumps, the risk of overheating has jumped 18% compared to last year.

AAA’s senior engineer, Mark Thompson, explains: “The shift to thinner coolants in newer models and the increased use of start-stop systems create unique stress points. Drivers need to be proactive, not just reactive.”

5 Essential Tips from AAA for an Overheating Car

1. Recognize the Early Warning Signs

Most drivers wait until the dashboard warning light comes on, but many modern cars give subtle clues first. AAA recommends watching for:

• A sweet smell (coolant leak) entering the cabin
• Steam rising from under the hood, especially when stopped
• A sudden drop in engine power or sluggish acceleration
• The temperature needle creeping past the middle mark while idling

If you notice any of these, don’t ignore them. Pull over safely at the next exit or parking lot.

2. What to Do Immediately When the Gauge Spikes

Panic can lead to costly mistakes. AAA’s step-by-step emergency protocol:

1. Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater to full blast. This pulls heat away from the engine.
2. Pull over to a safe, level spot as soon as possible. Do not drive even a few extra miles.
3. Turn off the engine and wait at least 15–20 minutes before opening the hood. The coolant system is under extreme pressure and can cause severe burns.
4. Check the coolant reservoir (if it’s safe to touch) – never attempt to open the radiator cap while hot.

AAA’s 2025 updated guide now includes a new recommendation: if you have a hybrid or electric vehicle with a thermal management system, do not attempt to “coast” or restart repeatedly. The high-voltage battery cooling system may fail if the engine overheats, leading to a full system shutdown.

3. Don’t Rely on Water Alone – Know Your Coolant Type

Many drivers in a pinch add plain water, but AAA warns that today’s engines require specific coolant formulations. In 2025, most new vehicles use OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant that lasts longer but can’t be mixed with traditional green coolant. Using the wrong type can cause gelling and clog the radiator.

AAA’s exclusive tip: carry a small bottle of the correct pre-mixed coolant for your vehicle make and model. Check your owner’s manual or AAA’s online database for the exact spec.

4. Preventive Checks Before a Road Trip

With AAA expecting 78 million Americans to hit the road this summer, a simple 5-minute inspection can prevent a breakdown:

• Check coolant level when the engine is cold (not after driving).
• Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or soft spots.
• Ensure the radiator cap seals properly – a worn cap can cause pressure loss.
• Clean debris from the front of the radiator (bugs, leaves, dirt) which block airflow.
• Test your cooling fan – turn on the A/C and let the engine idle; the fan should engage within a few minutes.

AAA’s 2025 data shows that cars with a clogged radiator are 3x more likely to overheat in stop-and-go traffic.

5. Modern Solutions: Upgraded Cooling Systems

For older vehicles (pre-2020), AAA suggests considering a cooling system upgrade:

• High-performance electric fans with better airflow at low speeds.
• Aluminum radiators that dissipate heat more efficiently than plastic-tank models.
• Coolant additives designed for extreme heat (e.g., Water Wetter or Evans Coolant). Note: only use additives that are compatible with your vehicle’s coolant type.

Newer vehicles (2020+) often have “active grille shutters” that close at highway speeds to reduce drag. AAA advises checking that these shutters are not stuck open or closed, as they directly affect engine temperature.

When to Call AAA

If your car overheats and you’ve followed the steps above but the temperature stays high, call for roadside assistance. AAA’s 2025 fleet includes hybrid tow trucks that can handle both conventional and electric vehicles. Do not attempt to drive more than a mile with an overheating engine – cylinder head gasket failure and warped engine blocks are common and expensive repairs.

The Bottom Line

Engine overheating is a classic summer problem, but with AAA’s updated tips, you can protect your car in 2025’s extreme heat. The key is to act quickly, know your car’s specific cooling system, and perform regular checks. For more detailed guides, visit AAA’s vehicle maintenance page or download the AAA mobile app for real-time alerts based on your car’s diagnostic data.

This article was prepared with information from AAA’s 2025 Vehicle Heat Safety Report and interviews with AAA-certified technicians.