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Writer's pictureLeah Bryant

What Happens When Your Engine Overheats and How to Handle It

Your car’s engine is designed to run at high temperatures, but when it overheats, it can spell trouble for your vehicle and your wallet. Overheating is one of the most common and serious problems that can affect your engine, and it’s important to know what causes it, what can happen if it does, and how to react when you see the signs. Let's break down what happens when your engine overheats and give you step-by-step instructions on what to do if it does.


What Happens When Your Engine Overheats?


engine overheating

When your engine overheats, it’s because the cooling system isn't doing its job of removing excess heat. This could happen for several reasons:


  • Low coolant levels

  • A faulty thermostat

  • A broken radiator fan

  • Leaks in the cooling system

  • A damaged water pump

  • Blocked hoses or radiator


As the engine’s temperature rises beyond normal levels, the components in your engine start to break down. Here’s what can happen:


1. Metal Warping


When your engine overheats, the high temperatures can cause critical metal parts like the cylinder heads and engine block to warp. Warped components can lead to loss of engine compression, which significantly affects the performance of your car and can result in engine failure.





2. Head Gasket Failure


The head gasket is responsible for sealing the engine's cylinders and preventing oil and coolant from mixing. When the engine overheats, the head gasket can blow, allowing coolant and oil to mix. This leads to poor lubrication, engine knocking, and potentially complete engine failure.

Head gasket

3. Engine Oil Breakdown


Engine oil plays a vital role in keeping the engine's moving parts lubricated and cool. When the engine overheats, the oil can degrade and lose its ability to lubricate, leading to increased friction between parts and eventual engine damage.


4. Piston and Cylinder Damage


The heat from an overheated engine can cause the pistons to expand, which could result in them seizing within the cylinders. This could lead to cracked pistons, damaged cylinders, or a complete engine lock-up.


Signs Your Engine Is Overheating


It’s important to catch overheating early to prevent damage. Here are the common signs that your engine is running too hot:


  • Temperature Gauge Rising: Keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge. If it climbs toward the red zone, your engine is overheating.

  • Steam from the Hood: Seeing steam or smoke coming from under the hood is a sign that your engine is running too hot.

  • Strange Smells: If you smell something sweet (coolant) or burnt (oil), it could indicate an overheating engine.

  • Warning Lights: Modern vehicles have warning lights that indicate engine overheating. Don’t ignore them!

  • Reduced Power or Strange Noises: If your car starts losing power or making knocking or ticking noises, it could be a sign of overheating.


engine overheating

What to Do When Your Engine Overheats


If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly and safely. Here’s what you should do:


1. Turn Off the AC and Turn On the Heater

As counterintuitive as it sounds, turning off the air conditioner and turning on the heater helps pull heat away from the engine. This can temporarily reduce the engine’s temperature.

2. Pull Over to a Safe Spot

If the temperature gauge continues to rise, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with an overheated engine can cause severe damage.

3. Turn Off the Engine

Once you've pulled over, turn off the engine immediately. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15-30 minutes. Don’t try to open the hood or radiator cap while the engine is hot, as you risk being burned by hot steam or coolant.

4. Check Coolant Levels (If Safe)

After the engine has cooled down, you can carefully check the coolant levels. If the coolant level is low, you can add more, but never open the radiator cap when the engine is still hot. Always carry extra coolant and water in your car for emergencies.

5. Restart the Engine

If you've added coolant and the engine has cooled, restart the car and monitor the temperature gauge. If the gauge remains in the normal range, you may be able to continue driving to a mechanic. If it begins to rise again, turn the engine off and call for roadside assistance.


Preventing Engine Overheating


Prevention is always better than dealing with an overheated engine. Here are some tips to avoid overheating:


  • Regularly check coolant levels and top them off as needed.

  • Get your cooling system inspected regularly, including hoses, the radiator, water pump, and thermostat.

  • Check your radiator and hoses for leaks or damage.

  • Replace your engine oil regularly to ensure the engine is properly lubricated.

  • Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and watch for any unusual spikes.


Act Fast and Be Prepared


An overheating engine is a serious issue that should never be ignored. By knowing the signs of overheating and following the steps above, you can prevent serious engine damage and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Always keep an emergency kit, including extra coolant, in your vehicle to be prepared for unexpected situations.


If your engine overheats frequently, it’s time to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to identify and fix the underlying issue. Contact us today!


Join the Conversation:Have you ever experienced an overheated engine? What did you do? Share your story and tips with us in the comments below!


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