Whether commuting to work or preparing for a long road trip, the last thing you need is an overheated engine, leaving you stranded on the roadside. While there are many reasons why your engine can overheat, it is typically caused by a coolant system problem, especially on a hot summer day or while towing or pulling loads.
Don’t wait for your engine to stop running. Instead, prepare for the possibility by recognizing when your engine is too hot and learning what to do when your engine overheats. Here are the signs to look for, the do’s and don’ts if your engine overheats, and how to prevent it from happening.
Signs Your Engine Is Overheating
All combustion engines need coolant to function correctly. Engine coolant absorbs the heat generated from burning fuel, preserving the engine’s performance and preventing it from wearing out early.
Most gasoline engines are at their best when the coolant temperature is between 195°F and 220°F. If the engine runs too hot, it can cause severe engine issues, such as degrading the engine coolant, evaporating engine oil, or cracking the engine block. Here’s how to recognize the signs your engine is overheating.
- The temperature gauge is too high. Most dashboards feature an engine temperature gauge, recognizable by the thermometer symbol. Depending on the model, your gauge may represent temperature ranges with “C” and “H” symbols, a blue and red zone, or a direct reading in °F.
Regardless of the symbols used, if the needle points near the top of the gauge or the highest values, your engine is likely running too hot. In specific models, the Check Engine light can also turn on when the engine is overheating to attract the driver’s attention. - Strange odors from the engine bay. If your engine is overheating, the high temperature can burn or break down some of its essential fluids and components. A sweet smell is typically the sign of a coolant leak, whereas the scent of burned oil may mean you are leaking engine oil on hot engine parts.
Scents of burning rubber or plastic from under the hood can indicate the heat is damaging critical engine parts, such as rubber hoses, belts, seals, and gaskets. In rare instances, the scent of burning plastic can come from a hot engine that has melted an electrical cable or component. - Steam blowing out of the hood. A severely overheating engine can cause the coolant to boil and evaporate in thick, white clouds. It resembles white smoke and can give the impression that your engine is on fire. If you see this sign of overheating, pull over as soon as you can; the steam can obscure your vision while driving.
What to Do When Your Engine Overheats: The Do’s and Don’ts
If you have detected signs that your engine is overheating, here are the do’s and don’ts for managing the situation and minimizing the risk of engine failure.
- DO: Pull over immediately. Do not continue driving on an overheating engine. It risks seizing up, potentially damaging it permanently. Instead, pull over on the side of the road as soon as it’s safe.
- DON’T: Panic. Keeping a cool head is the best way to manage an engine running too hot. Don’t brake or swerve suddenly, especially if you’re in heavy traffic. Instead, calmly find a spot to pull into and slow down progressively.
- DO: Turn off the engine. Even leaving the engine idling generates heat, increasing the risk of damage. Instead, turn the engine off completely to let it cool. Keep the keys in the ignition in the “On” position to keep the electrical systems active. It will allow you to monitor the temperature gauge.
- DON’T: Leave the A/C on. Don’t leave the air conditioning on, even if you already turned the engine off. Your blower fan will continue running, placing unnecessary strain on your battery and potentially draining it.
- DO: Turn up the heat. While it may seem counter-intuitive, turning up the heat allows it to circulate out of the engine bay, helping your engine cool down.
- DON’T: Open the hood immediately. Have you ever noticed how your hood is warm to the touch right after parking your car? If your engine is overheating, your hood may be burning hot. Wait at least 15 minutes before opening it to avoid burning your hands. If possible, put on a pair of heat-resistant gloves.
- DO: Inspect your engine. Once it’s safe to open the hood, inspect your engine bay for potential causes of overheating. Inspect your belts and hoses for signs of cracks, wear, or leaks. Check the radiator cap and ensure it is properly sealed. Lastly, check your coolant levels and top it up if necessary.
- DON’T: Ignore the problem. Even if your engine cools down and is safe to drive again, your engine may still have underlying issues that require professional attention. Schedule an engine service with a reputable mechanic as soon as possible. They can diagnose your car for potential long-term problems and repair or replace all necessary parts.
How to Prevent an Engine From Overheating
Whether you’ve recently experienced an engine overheating issue or simply want to be prepared, follow these steps and best practices to protect your engine from temperature issues.
- Check your coolant levels regularly. Monitor your coolant level regularly. If it’s low, top it up and schedule a service to have your car inspected for potential leaks.
- Keep an eye on your oil. Schedule an oil change if you’re approaching the service interval. This is typically between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Old oil is more likely to break down in a hot engine, and low oil levels can cause the engine to overheat.
- Schedule regular engine servicing. Your engine depends on properly functioning parts and systems to avoid overheating. Regular servicing can help ensure your cooling system, water pump, compressor, hoses, and belts remain in good condition, keeping your engine at optimal temperature.
- Park your car in the shade. Don’t leave the car in the sun during a hot day; it can cause the engine bay’s temperature to rise and strain your cooling system.
- Drive carefully. Aggressive driving at high RPMs will cause your engine to spin faster and generate more heat, increasing the likelihood of overheating issues.
- Use A/C smartly. Avoid leaving your car’s air conditioning system on too long or at excessive levels. It can strain your compressor and increase engine load. Use it intermittently on hot days and keep the temperature at a moderate level.
Schedule an Engine Service for your Car at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
While it can be scary to experience, knowing what to do when your engine overheats will make you a better and safer driver. Scheduling regular service for your car at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help ensure your engine components remain in good condition, reducing the risk of an overheating incident. Contact our service department today or visit us near Albion, MI, to book a service.
