Engine Overheating Emergencies: A Guide To Staying Safe And Smart

If your car's engine overheats, it's important to take immediate action to prevent further damage and ensure your safety. Here are some crucial steps to take:

- Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and turn on your hazard lights. Continuing to drive can aggravate the issue and cause more severe damage to your vehicle.

- Call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Engine overheating can be due to various issues, and a professional mechanic will be able to diagnose and address the problem.

- Do not attempt to open the bonnet or radiator cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system is under high pressure, and opening the radiator cap can release a burst of hot coolant, causing severe burns.

- Allow the engine to cool down. It can take at least 30 minutes for an overheated engine to cool sufficiently.

- Check the coolant/antifreeze reservoir and hoses once the engine has cooled. If the reservoir is empty or low on fluid, refill it with new antifreeze. Also, check for leaks or blockages in the hoses.

By following these steps, you can help mitigate the impact of an overheating engine and potentially prevent a breakdown. It's also essential to maintain your vehicle regularly and keep an eye on coolant levels to reduce the risk of overheating.

Pull over and turn on hazard lights

If your car engine overheats, the first thing to do is pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. This is because continuing to drive, even for a short distance, could cause further damage to your vehicle. Once you've pulled over, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers that your car is stopped.

It's important to remain calm and not panic in this situation. Your safety, and the safety of other drivers, is the top priority. Find a safe place to stop your vehicle, preferably off the road, and activate your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic.

If you're on a busy road or highway, pulling over may be challenging. Take it slow, use your turn signals, and try to find a safe spot on the shoulder or an exit. Remember, your goal is to get your vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.

Once you've pulled over and turned on your hazard lights, it's important to take the next steps to address the issue. Keep in mind that a severely overheated engine can take several hours to cool down, so don't attempt to open the bonnet or touch any engine components. Instead, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck to get your vehicle to a repair shop.

While waiting for help to arrive, stay with your vehicle and ensure that you are in a safe location. If you have warning triangles or flares, you can place them near your vehicle to further alert oncoming traffic. Remember to keep a safe distance from the road and avoid standing in traffic flow.

Call for roadside assistance

If your engine overheats, it's important to call for roadside assistance as soon as possible. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do in this situation:

• Pull over to a safe location: As soon as you notice the signs of an overheating engine, such as a warning light on your dashboard or steam coming from under the hood, pull over to a safe location away from traffic and other hazards. Turning on your hazard lights can help alert other drivers.
• Call for roadside assistance: Contact a roadside assistance service, such as NRMA Roadside Assistance or a similar provider in your area. They will dispatch a road service patrol to assist you. If you have a membership with a motor association, you may be able to request assistance through their app.
• Do not open the bonnet: Wait for the roadside assistance patrol to arrive and do not attempt to open the bonnet or remove the radiator cap. An overheated engine can take a significant amount of time to cool down, and opening the bonnet prematurely can be dangerous.
• Allow the engine to cool: It is important to give the engine enough time to cool down before attempting any repairs or inspections. This can take at least 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the severity of the overheating.
• Follow the advice of the roadside assistance patrol: They will be able to assess the situation and provide further guidance. In some cases, they may be able to fix the issue on the spot, or they may arrange for your vehicle to be towed to a service centre if major damage is suspected.

Remember, continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause significant and costly damage, so it is always best to pull over and call for assistance as soon as you notice any signs of overheating.

Don't open the bonnet

If your car's engine overheats, it is important to know what steps to take to handle the situation effectively and keep safety a priority. Here's why you shouldn't open the bonnet:

Risk of Injury

Opening the bonnet of an overheated car can be dangerous. The hot coolant can cause severe burns if it escapes, as it did in a viral video where men were seen burning themselves with boiling water from a radiator. The pressurised cooling system in modern cars means that simply loosening the radiator cap can set off a geyser of hot coolant. It is best to wait until the engine has completely cooled down—at least 30 minutes—before attempting any repairs.

Prevent Further Damage

Leaving the bonnet closed until the engine has fully cooled may actually be better for the engine, too. Continuing to drive with an overheated engine can cause permanent and costly damage. Pistons powering your car can expand and seize in the cylinder bore, and if this continues, you can end up cracking the engine block and cylinder heads. The engine and its components can also warp or melt due to the high temperatures.

Allow Time to Diagnose

When the engine is running, you can expect the hood to emit heat and feel warm to the touch. This is normal. However, if your car's hood is extremely hot, this could indicate a problem. By not opening the bonnet, you give yourself time to calmly assess the situation and decide on the best course of action. You may need to call for a tow or, if it is safe to do so, attempt to cool the engine down by turning on the heater or waiting for at least 30 minutes.

Safety First

Your safety should always come first. If you are unsure about what to do, it is best to call a trusted local mechanic for advice. They will be able to guide you on whether to bring the car in for repairs or have roadside assistance pick it up. Trying to fix the problem yourself without proper knowledge can be dangerous and may lead to further issues. It is always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with an overheated engine.

Check coolant levels

Checking your coolant levels is an important part of car maintenance and can prevent your engine from overheating. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Park Your Car and Let the Engine Cool

It is crucial to ensure your car is parked on a level surface. If it is parked on a slope, the coolant level reading may be inaccurate, and opening the radiator cap can cause coolant to spill out. Allow the engine to cool down completely before proceeding. The radiator is under pressure, and opening it while it's still hot can cause scalding.

Step 2: Locate the Radiator and Coolant Reservoir

Open the hood of your car and locate the radiator. It is usually at the front of the engine and has a cap on top. The coolant reservoir or overflow tank is typically a clear or white plastic container located near the radiator. It is connected to the radiator by a tube and often has a brightly coloured cap.

Step 3: Check the Coolant Level

Check the coolant level in the reservoir. The coolant should be between the minimum and maximum level markings on the side of the reservoir. If your car has a radiator cap, you can also check the coolant level by opening it and ensuring that the coolant reaches the top of the radiator. Be careful when opening the radiator cap, as there may be built-up pressure.

Step 4: Refill Coolant if Necessary

If the coolant level is low, you will need to top it off. Use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant (antifreeze). Slowly pour the mixture into the overflow reservoir until it reaches the "Full" mark. Make sure to use the correct type of coolant specified by your car manufacturer. Tighten the cap on the reservoir when you're done.

Step 5: Inspect the Coolant and Hoses

Check the condition of the coolant. It should be colourful, typically red, green, blue, or yellow. If it appears discoloured, rusty, or oily, there may be an issue, such as an internal head gasket leak, and you should take your car to a mechanic. Also, inspect the radiator hoses for any leaks, cracks, or bulges. These hoses should be replaced if they show signs of damage.

Remember to perform these checks regularly and always allow the engine to cool down before opening the radiator or coolant reservoir. By maintaining proper coolant levels, you can help prevent your engine from overheating and avoid costly repairs.

Get your car towed

If your car engine overheats, you should get your car towed to prevent further damage. Here are some detailed steps to follow:

Recognise the Signs of Overheating

First, recognise the signs that your car engine is overheating. This could include a warning light turning on, the temperature gauge reaching the maximum level, steam coming from the front of the vehicle under the hood, strange odours, a loud ticking noise, or leaking coolant on the ground.

Pull Over and Turn Off the Engine

As soon as you notice these signs, pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Continuing to drive can increase the damage to your vehicle. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down for at least 15-30 minutes. Do not open the hood immediately, as the hot coolant can cause severe burns.

Call for Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck

While waiting for the engine to cool, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. If your car cannot be fixed by roadside assistance, it will likely need to be towed to a repair shop for further inspection and repairs.

Have your car towed to a professional repair shop or auto mechanic. They will be able to diagnose and address any issues with your vehicle. Overheating can cause serious and costly damage to your engine, so it is important to get it checked as soon as possible.

Regular Maintenance

To prevent engine overheating, it is important to perform regular maintenance and inspections on your vehicle. This includes checking coolant and oil levels, performing oil changes, and maintaining the cooling system.

Frequently asked questions