How to Cool an Overheated Engine

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Whether you're a guy or a gal, knowing how to cool an overheated engine can be an important life skill to any licensed driver. Being able to diagnose and fix your own issue will save you from having to enlist the help of strangers, who might potentially be dangerous, or having to go to the cost of bringing in a tow truck or other automotive expert to assist.

Steps

1. 1
   Don't panic, and assess what is happening to your vehicle.

   
   

   • If you notice white clouds coming from your engine, it is not smoke but instead steam that is coming off an overheated engine.
   • Usually engine overheating can occur when your vehicle doesn't get enough coolant in its effort to cool itself. This can be prevalent if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving.
2. 2
   Take matters into your own hands if you notice that your engine has overheated.
   • Turn off your air conditioning and roll down the vehicle windows.
   • Try turning the cabin heater on; this draws heat from the engine block.
   • Move your vehicle out of traffic and to the side of the road or pull the vehicle into a parking lot.
   • If the car isn't too hot, turn off the vehicle and pop your hood. If the hood is extrememly hot to the touch or if you see steam, then it is advisable to wait until the hood cools before you pop it open all the way.
   • Let the engine cool completely before you touch the engine or open the radiator cap. This cooling process could take as much as an hour.
   • Check your coolant reservoir tank once the engine has cooled enough that you can touch it. Open it by twisting it slowly and noting the amount of radiator and coolant fluid. Add coolant, water or both to the radiator as needed. Coolant/water mixes should be approximately 50/50.
   • Put your radiator cap back on and check all of your hoses to look for leaks or breaks.
3. 3
   Restart your vehicle while watching the temperature gauge on your dashboard. Turn off your engine immediately if the needle hits the red area. Try again after a few minutes.
4. 4
   Seek the help of a mechanic if you still encounter engine overheating issues, and you have a proper level of coolant.

   
   

Tips

• You can still drive while your engine is hot if you are stuck in an unfamiliar area or the road is dark. Drive your vehicle slowly until it hits the red zone, and then stop and turn off your engine until it cools down enough to start again. This should work to get you to a safe location if you are only going a short distance.

Warnings

• Opening your radiator cap while it is still hot could result in bodily harm because it is under pressure.

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