ENGINE OVERHEATING? STOP DRIVING NOW!

Immediately turn off the A/C and turn the heater to maximum (this helps dissipate heat). Pull over safely as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Do NOT continue driving as this can cause catastrophic engine damage within minutes. Wait at least 30 minutes before opening the hood, and NEVER open the radiator cap while hot. Call for emergency roadside assistance or towing to prevent further damage.

Overheating can cause extensive damage very quickly. At 20-30 degrees over normal, gaskets begin to fail. At 40 degrees over, cylinder heads can warp (major repair required). Severe overheating can crack engine blocks, destroy bearings, and score cylinder walls, potentially requiring complete engine replacement. This is why immediate action is critical when overheating occurs.

In an absolute emergency, you can add water temporarily to get to a safe location or repair shop. However, water alone doesn't have the anti-corrosion, anti-freeze, or proper boiling point properties of coolant. Running straight water long-term will cause rust, corrosion, and potential freezing. Always have the system properly serviced with the correct coolant mixture (typically 50/50) as soon as possible.

This typically indicates a cooling fan problem. At highway speeds, airflow through the radiator provides cooling. In traffic, you rely on electric cooling fans to pull air through the radiator. If the fan motor, relay, or temperature sensor fails, the engine will overheat at idle or low speeds. This is usually a relatively simple and affordable repair if caught early.

Most manufacturers recommend coolant replacement every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years for conventional coolant, or 100,000 miles/5 years for extended-life coolant. However, we recommend testing coolant condition annually. Old coolant loses its protective properties and becomes acidic, causing internal corrosion that leads to leaks and component failures.

Early warning signs include: temperature gauge creeping above normal, sweet smell from engine bay, small coolant puddles under the car, heater not working properly, coolant reservoir always low, and gradual loss of coolant without visible leaks. Addressing these early signs can prevent roadside breakdowns and expensive repairs.

Yes! The radiator cap maintains proper system pressure (typically 15-16 PSI), which raises the coolant's boiling point. A faulty cap that doesn't hold pressure allows coolant to boil at lower temperatures, causing overheating. A cap that doesn't release pressure can cause hose or radiator failures. It's an inexpensive part that's critical for proper cooling system function.

No, even small leaks are dangerous. A minor leak can suddenly become major, leaving you stranded with an overheated engine. Small leaks also allow air into the system, creating hot spots and accelerating component wear. Additionally, coolant is toxic to animals and harmful to the environment. Always repair coolant leaks promptly to avoid costly emergency repairs.