My car is overheating, what do I do?

An overheating car can be a very frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. If you notice that your car's temperature gauge is higher than normal or if you see steam coming from under the hood, it's essential to act quickly to avoid further damage to your engine. In this guide, we'll go through a step-by-step process to help you handle an overheating car.

Before anything, it’s important to note that regular and timely maintenance intervals are key to keeping your car in tip-top condition for driving in any condition. Prevention is the best medicine, as the title states, and you have to remember that coolant in cars has to be replaced every two years or as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Anyway, now on to the meat of the situation. 

As soon as you notice your car is overheating, it's essential to pull over to a safe location as quickly as possible. Look for a flat and open area away from traffic where you can safely park your car. Do not attempt to continue driving your car while it is overheating, as this can cause significant damage to your engine, which could result in pricier repairs and possibly irreversible damage. 

With too much heat, your car can potentially thin out its oil to the point where metal-to-metal contact is possible. Metal-to-metal contact can cause your engine's components to heat up excessively and also bond together, causing an engine seizure which is really bad and potentially very expensive. Just make sure to follow the steps above to avoid anything worse from happening. 

Once you have parked your car in a safe location, turn off the engine immediately. This will help to prevent further damage to your engine and allow it to cool down. Remember that you should never attempt to open the hood or touch any part of the engine until it has cooled down completely.

The most common cause of an overheating car is low coolant levels. If you have recently filled up your coolant, there may be a leak or a problem with the coolant system. Wait until the engine has cooled down completely before checking the coolant level. Then, open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. The reservoir is usually a white translucent plastic container located near the radiator or at the side of your engine. If the coolant level is low, add more coolant until it reaches the maximum level.

If the coolant level is low, there may be a leak in the system. Look for signs of coolant leaking under your car or on the ground where you parked, or try to observe if there was a trail of fluid when you pulled over. If you see coolant leaking, it's essential to have your car towed to a mechanic for repair. Driving with a coolant leak can cause significant damage to your engine.

The radiator cap is an essential component of your car's cooling system. It helps regulate the pressure in the cooling system and prevents coolant from boiling over. Wait until the engine has cooled down completely before checking the radiator cap. Then, locate the radiator cap and check for signs of damage or wear. If the cap is damaged, it may need to be replaced. It is also very important that you DO NOT take off the radiator cap if the engine is still hot, as you can suffer severe burns and injuries.

The thermostat is another essential component of your car's cooling system. It regulates the flow of coolant to the engine. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it can cause your car to overheat. Wait until the engine has cooled down completely before checking the thermostat. Then, locate the thermostat, which is usually situated on the engine block where the upper radiator hose attaches and is usually housed in a metal or plastic housing that connects the hose to the engine. Check for signs of damage or wear, and if the thermostat is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine. If the water pump is malfunctioning, it can cause your car to overheat. Wait until the engine has cooled down completely before checking the water pump. Then, locate the water pump and check for signs of damage or wear. If the water pump is damaged, it may need to be replaced.

In summary, if your car is overheating, it's essential to act quickly to avoid further damage to your engine. Pull over to a safe location, and if you have run through all the steps or are still unsure about the condition of your cooling system, then it is best to call for roadside assistance and have your trusted mechanic or “casa” have a look at your vehicle instead. Also, take note that all vehicles are different, and it is still best to consult your owner's manual on where and how to locate the parts listed above.