What to do if your car is overheating
By Allstate
Last updated: July 2025
The last thing most people expect when they get behind the wheel is their car engine overheating. But it's important to know what steps to take when a car overheats so you can handle the situation effectively and keep safety a priority. Here's what to do if you find yourself with a vehicle that's overheating.
If your car's engine overheats, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Turn the car off and call for a tow, even one instance of engine overheating, if severe enough, can permanently damage the engine.
You may also be able to buy a little time to get off the road by turning the heater on full blast, according to Consumer Reports. This will provide some additional cooling by draining some heat from the engine but the best way to cool down the vehicle is to shut it down.
If there is steam coming out from under the car's hood, Consumer Reports advises that you should not attempt to lift the hood, adding that it typically takes at least 30 minutes for a hot engine to cool down. And, while it might be tempting, make sure you don't open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. This is because the hot coolant can cause severe burns, leaving the system closed until it fully cools down may be better for the engine, too.
Why is my car overheating
You don't have to wait until you see steam rising from the hood to realize your car's having difficulties because there are often earlier signs that something is amiss. One symptom might be the vehicle heater not getting warm, says Consumer Reports, as this may indicate that the engine's thermostat is stuck or that coolant is running low.
A glance at the temperature gauge can also help. You can see an overheating problem developing if the temperature gauge is higher than normal.
If the temperature warning light comes on, however, the problem is serious, says Consumer Reports. The same goes for a sudden burst of steam from under the hood, which he says is usually a sign that a radiator hose has blown.
What are the causes of a car overheating
According to Consumer Reports, many factors can lead to your car overheating, including a coolant loss caused by a leaking hose or radiator, a worn or broken fan belt, a faulty water pump or thermostat, or an electrical issue. So having a plan to regularly inspect your car's entire cooling system is key.
Follow the maintenance schedule from your vehicle manufacturer. The older the vehicle, the more likely it is to need maintenance, ranging from replacing old coolant or worn belts, or hoses that can leak or cause a water pump to not operate properly.
Most engine coolant will last about 100,000 miles, says Consumer Reports but older and higher-mileage vehicles should have the radiator coolant checked and belts and hoses swapped out according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. A trained automotive technician can tell when it's time for a change.
It's hard to predict when a car is going to overheat. But, keeping up with preventative measures and knowing what to do if it happens to your car may help you avoid some expensive repairs down the road.