When your car begins to overheat, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent severe engine damage. Overheating can be caused by several factors, such as low coolant levels, a malfunctioning radiator, a faulty thermostat, or even a broken water pump.
While these issues require proper diagnosis and repair by a professional, there are some temporary measures you can take to safely manage the situation and prevent further damage until you can get the car to a mechanic.
The temporary fix for an overheating car are:
- Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater
- Pull over and turn the engine off
- Check the coolant level and add more coolant if needed
- Check for coolant leaks
- Drive gently to the nearby mechanic
- Open windows while driving, and
- Monitor the temperature gauge while driving
Temporary Fix for Overheating Car
Here’s how you can temporarily fix an overheating car:
1. Turn Off the Air Conditioning and Turn On the Heater
Once you notice your car is overheating, the first step to temporarily fix the overheating car problem is to turn off the air conditioner.
This is because, the air conditioning system places an additional load on the engine, which can increase the overheating problem. However, by turning off the AC, you will reduce the strain on the engine, which may help lower the temperature.
You may also turn the heater on. This may seem counterintuitive, but turning on the heater actually draws heat away from the engine by transferring it into the cabin of the car.
The heater core acts as a small radiator, and by running the heater, you can help reduce the engine temperature. However, this will make the interior of the car uncomfortably warm, especially in hot weather.
2. Pull Over and Turn Off the Engine
If you notice the temperature gauge climbing into the red zone or see steam coming from under the hood, you should pull over as soon as it is safe.
Continuing to drive while the engine is overheating can cause severe damage, such as warping the cylinder head or even seizing the engine.
Once you’ve pulled over, turn off the engine and wait at least 15 – 30 minutes for it to cool down.
The engine needs to cool before you can safely check or add fluids, as opening the radiator cap while the engine is hot can release scalding steam and coolant. It can burn your skin.
3. Check and Add Coolant
After the engine has cooled sufficiently, carefully open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir or radiator. If the coolant level is low, this could be the cause of the overheating.
Check the reservoir first, as it’s usually safer to access. If you must open the radiator cap, use a cloth to protect your hand and do so slowly to release any remaining pressure.
If the coolant is low, you can top it off with a mixture of coolant and water (usually 50/50), or in an emergency, just water if you don’t have coolant on hand.
Be aware that using just water is only a temporary fix as it doesn’t have the necessary additives to protect the engine long-term.
4. Check for Leaks
While the engine is cooling, check under the car for any signs of coolant leaks. Puddles of coolant (usually green, pink, or orange in color) under the car can indicate a more serious problem, such as a leaking hose, radiator, or water pump.
If you find a leak, you’ll need to fix it as soon as possible, as continuing to drive with a leaking cooling system can quickly lead to complete engine failure.
5. Drive Gently to the Nearest Mechanic
If you must continue driving, do so with caution. Drive at a moderate speed and avoid heavy acceleration or high RPMs, which can increase the engine temperature.
Try to avoid stop-and-go traffic, as idling can cause the engine to overheat again.
Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge as you drive. If it starts to rise again, you may need to pull over and repeat the cooling process.
6. Open Windows
Since you’ll have the heater on, the interior of the car will get very warm. Opening the windows can help vent the hot air and make the ride more bearable.
This doesn’t directly affect the engine’s temperature, but it can help keep you more comfortable while you’re dealing with the overheating issue.
7. Monitor the Temperature Gauge
Keep watching the temperature gauge closely. If it continues to rise, pull over again and let the engine cool.
If you notice the gauge fluctuating, it could indicate that the thermostat is stuck or that there’s air trapped in the cooling system. Either way, you’ll need a mechanic to properly diagnose and repair the issue.
How Far Can You Drive an Overheating Car
Driving an overheating car is risky, and the distance you can travel depends on factors like the severity of the overheating, the cause of the problem, and how you manage the situation.
For example, if the temperature gauge is just above normal, and there are no other signs of severe overheating (like steam or strange smells), you might be able to drive a short distance (a few miles) to get to a safer location or a mechanic. However, even slight overheating should be taken seriously.
If the temperature gauge is in the red zone, you see steam coming from the hood, or you smell something burning, it’s important to stop driving immediately.
Continuing to drive in this condition can cause catastrophic engine damage, such as a blown head gasket, warped cylinder heads, or even engine seizure.
Moreover, if you’ve taken steps like turning on the heater, turning off the AC, and adding coolant (after allowing the engine to cool), you might be able to drive a bit further, but only cautiously and for a short distance. These measures can help manage the temperature temporarily, but they won’t fix the root problem.
If you absolutely must drive, do so gently. Avoid high speeds, heavy acceleration, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving in these conditions puts less strain on the engine and may help you go a little farther without the engine overheating further.
Also, you should aim to drive no more than 1 to 2 miles before pulling over to let the engine cool again. This distance can vary depending on how quickly the temperature rises. Keep a very close eye on the temperature gauge.
Driving longer distances with an overheating engine is not advisable. The risk of severe engine damage increases dramatically the longer you drive. So, even if the car seems to be managed, the damage could be occurring internally, which may lead to more expensive repairs.
Conclusion
These steps are meant to be temporary measures to prevent severe engine damage and get you safely to a place where you can have your car properly repaired.
Overheating is a serious issue, and driving an overheating car for extended periods can result in costly repairs or even complete engine failure. Always fix the root cause of the overheating as soon as possible.
