Handling how to cool an overheated engine is an important skill for licensed drivers. Being able to detect and fix problems on your own can get you back on the road right away, avoid costly mechanical problems, and help know when to seek expert help.
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Method 1 of 3: Handling an Overheated Engine
Step 1. Avoid panic and step aside as soon as possible
An overheated engine, while serious, will not cause an immediate hazard. If the temperature gauge reaches the red zone or steam appears from your engine, slow down and pull over as soon as you find a safe place. If you see white puffs coming out of the engine, it's not smoke but steam from an overheated engine, and you've had enough time to pull over. If you can't pull over immediately, you should:
- Turn off the air conditioning and open the windows.
- Turn on the heater and fan to maximum – doing so will draw heat away from the engine.
- Turn on the emergency light and drive at a low, constant speed until you can pull over.
Step 2. Open the hood once no steam comes out
If the car is not too hot, turn off the engine and open the hood. If it's too hot to the touch or if you see steam, it's a good idea to wait for the hood to cool before opening it. Opening the hood helps remove some of the heat from the engine.
- Turn off the engine and leave the key in the ignition in the on position. Lights, instrument panels, etc. should stay on. This keeps the cooling fan running without starting the engine, which will help speed up the cooling process.
- Allow the engine to cool completely before touching the engine or opening the radiator cover. This cooling process will take 30-45 minutes, but will save you from severe burns.
Step 3. Check the radiator top hose
Squeezing the radiator top hose can help tell when your system is under pressure, and when it's safe to remove the radiator cap. If it feels hard and hard to squeeze, it's possible the system is still working and you shouldn't open the radiator cover just yet. If the hose can be squeezed easily, it is probably safe to open the radiator cover.
Use a rag or towel when handling this hose, as it can get very hot
Step 4. Leave the radiator cap on until the radiator cools down
The pressure and steam inside can shoot high-pressure liquid into your face. Play it safe and leave the radiator cap on for as long as possible. If it's still warm to the touch, leave it alone.
Overheated engines can have refrigerants reaching temperatures of up to 127ºC. In a closed system, the substance will not boil. However, once exposed to air it immediately boils and can cause severe burns. Wait for the system to cool down
Step 5. Rotate the radiator cover
Use a thick towel or rag to gently twist the cover. The cap will expose the liquid in the radiator or expansion tank to the atmosphere. If your radiator cover is not strapped, press down after loosening it to unlock it. Doing so will allow you to completely open the cover.
Step 6. Check the coolant tank once the engine has cooled down enough
Usually it will take about 30-45 minutes. This tank resembles a white plastic milk jerry can and is connected to the radiator cap. There is usually a sign on the side to let you know how full the tank should be.
Step 7. Check the engine for leaks
The most common cause of an engine overheating is a leak in the cooling system. Look for fluid in the engine or wallow under the car, especially if the refrigerant is low or low. Cooling systems require pressure to function, so even the slightest leak that doesn't drain the coolant can cause all sorts of problems.
- Coolant usually has a sweet smell, and can appear in hoses, under cars, or around radiator caps. This substance flows more like water than oil which is more viscous.
- The coolant is usually green on older models, but the color of the coolant may vary depending on the year and model of your car.
Step 8. Fill in the coolant after your car has cooled down
If you have refrigerant, add some to the car after it has cooled, usually after 30-45 minutes. Open the radiator cover and pour a little, about 3-5 seconds. If you have water, mix roughly equal proportions of refrigerant and water, and fill it up – most machines are built to work with a 50:50 mixture of coolant and water.
In an emergency, water alone can be a substitute for refrigerant, but don't use it for too long
Step 9. Restart the car after cooling down and check the temperature gauge
Is the needle pointing back to the red zone? If so, you will need to turn the car back off and wait another 10-15 minutes for it to cool down before driving. If not, you should be able to continue driving to the garage.
Step 10. Call a tow truck if the problem is not resolved immediately or you become aware of a bigger problem
If the leak in the cooling system is dripping oil, or the engine won't cool down, call a tow truck as soon as possible. An overheated engine can seriously damage your engine and car if you're not careful.
If you have to drive a car, be sure to cool it down as much as possible before starting over
Method 2 of 3: Driving with an Overheated Engine
Step 1. Continue driving after the temperature gauge drops
However, you should not drive for long periods whenever possible. However, sometimes you have no other choice but to continue your journey until you can get help.
- If the car isn't getting too hot anymore, it's possible that the engine just overheated due to various factors (air conditioning on, hot day, traffic jams that make you stutter). However, you need to keep an eye on the temperature gauge as often as possible to avoid other problems.
- Most cars are designed to detect overheating before the engine is seriously damaged, giving you time to deal with the problem. However, this doesn't mean you can ignore the temperature gauge.
Step 2. Turn off the air conditioner
Air conditioners use engine power to cool the car, and you don't want to overload the engine than it can handle. Open the car window to replace the air conditioner.
Step 3. Turn on the heater as much as possible
While it may sound counterintuitive than it should be, car heaters work by sucking heat from the engine and firing it into the car. Thus, turning the fans and heaters on to their highest settings can draw hot air from the engine and cool it. However, it can be a little uncomfortable.
- Point the vent at the window to avoid getting too hot in the car.
- Alternately, you can set the heater to the " defroster " setting to avoid the heat blowing directly at you.
Step 4. Neutralize the car and increase the engine speed
Reach 2000 rpm with the car in neutral. Doing so will help the engine and fans circulate air more quickly, introduce cool air and refrigerant into the engine, and help you remove heat from the car. If you're stuck in traffic, this is a good way to keep the engine moving even if the car isn't moving.
Step 5. Add water to the radiator when it runs out of coolant
While not recommended for long-distance trips, water can help keep the engine cool in an emergency. Add warm water to your radiator, but only after the engine has cooled. Cold water can cause cracks in the engine block due to the drastic change in temperature.
Step 6. Continue for a while, turn off the car, and repeat if you need to keep moving
If you absolutely must continue traveling with an overheated engine, pay attention to the temperature gauge. Whenever it overheats, pull over, turn off the car engine, and wait for it to cool for about 10-20 minutes. This is not good for the engine, but better than forcing a drive and causing serious damage.
Step 7. Know that you may need to go to the repair shop if your car is chronically overheating
If your car is constantly overheating, has leaks, or won't start, you need to visit a repair shop. While these tips will help you deal with when your car overheats, there may be a bigger problem that needs to be fixed before serious damage occurs.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Excessive Heat
Step 1. Drive the car at a slow and regular speed rather than stuttering in traffic jams
Constantly stopping and running puts a strain on the engine which can overheat, especially in older cars. Rest the brakes and let the car move forward slowly, because after all you will soon stop when you reach the bumper of the car in front of you.
Get in the habit of checking the temperature gauge when stuck at a red light and a stop sign
Step 2. Use windows instead of air conditioning to cool the car
Air conditioners use engine power to cool the air inside the car, putting additional load on the engine. The first thing you need to do when your car gets too hot is to turn off the air conditioner, but you should avoid using it altogether if you're worried that your car will overheat again for any reason.
If you are very late for service, find a leak in the radiator, have unresolved air conditioning problems, or have very little refrigerant, try not using the air conditioner at all
Step 3. Change the oil regularly and check your fan at the same time
Old oil can cause overheating, especially when paired with low refrigerant or other problems. Every time you change your oil, have a mechanic check your fans too – recognizing the problem now can prevent costly repairs later.
You should hear the fan buzzing after turning off the car, as the fan is still working to cool the car
Step 4. Perfect your cooler in early summer
Check the coolant tank and make sure the refrigerant is still at its proper level, as indicated on the side. If it is less than necessary, mix the refrigerant and water equally and add to the recommended level. This is especially important if you live in a hot area.
When checking the coolant, take 2-3 minutes to look for leaks. The refrigerant is usually green in color and has a sweet aroma. Check under the car, around the engine, and on any visible radiator hoses or parts
Step 5. Keep emergency equipment in the car for overheating problems
You don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with an unusable machine. Simple setup kits will help keep you and your car safe, especially if you have to drive all the way to the repair shop. You need to pack:
- Extra refrigerant.
- One jerry can of water.
- Toolbox.
- Flashlight.
- Durable food.
- Blanket.
- Folding razor.
- duct tape.
- Screwdriver flower and flat.
