Quick Answer: Turn off your AC immediately, turn on the heater full blast, and safely pull over as soon as possible. Never remove the radiator cap while hot. Phoenix heat makes overheating deadly serious for your engine. Call for help rather than risk severe damage.
What To Do
Turn off air conditioning immediately - Your AC puts extra load on an already struggling cooling system.
Turn heater to maximum heat and fan speed - This pulls heat away from the engine and into the cabin. Yes, it will be miserable, but it can save your engine.
Pull over safely when traffic allows - Use hazard lights and find the nearest safe spot. Don’t risk your safety for your engine.
Turn off the engine and pop the hood - Let everything cool down. Never touch anything under the hood yet.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking coolant - Phoenix heat makes everything dangerously hot longer than normal climates.
Check coolant level only when cool - Look at the overflow reservoir first, never remove the radiator cap on a hot engine.
Add coolant or water if low and engine is completely cool - In Phoenix, carry extra coolant. Plain water works temporarily but get proper coolant ASAP.
Drive only to the nearest service station - Keep windows down, heater on, and watch the temperature gauge constantly.
Photo: Pexels
What It Might Cost
- Emergency coolant: $15-25
- Towing in Phoenix heat: $75-150
- Blown head gasket from continued driving: $1,500-3,000
- New radiator: $400-800
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
- Keep extra coolant and water in your car during Phoenix summers
- Never remove radiator cap on hot engine - scalding coolant can cause severe burns
- Stay with your vehicle if stranded - Phoenix heat is deadly for pedestrians
- Call for help if temperature gauge hits red - engine damage happens fast in extreme heat
- Park in shade if possible and crack windows to prevent interior damage
Need roadside help? Visit Tow With The Flow for real answers when your car breaks down.