Quick Answer: Turn on your heater full blast, pull over safely when possible, turn off the engine, and wait 30 minutes before checking coolant. Never remove the radiator cap when hot. Call for help if coolant is low or the problem persists after cooling down.
What To Do
Turn your heater to maximum heat and fan speed immediately. This pulls heat away from the engine and into the cabin.
Turn off your air conditioning if it’s running. AC puts extra load on the cooling system.
Pull over safely as soon as traffic allows. Use hazard lights and find the shoulder, parking lot, or safe spot.
Turn off the engine immediately once you’re safely stopped. Do not idle or rev the engine.
Pop the hood but don’t touch anything yet. Let air circulate around the engine bay.
Wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool completely. The radiator cap and hoses will be dangerously hot.
Check coolant level in the overflow tank (plastic tank near the radiator). Look for the minimum and maximum lines.
Add coolant or water to the overflow tank only if the level is low. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Look for obvious leaks under the car. Green, orange, or pink puddles indicate coolant loss.
Start the engine and monitor the temperature gauge. If it climbs toward hot again, shut off immediately and call for service.
Photo: Pexels
What It Might Cost
- Towing: $100-200 for local service
- Thermostat replacement: $150-300
- Water pump replacement: $400-800
- Radiator repair/replacement: $300-1,200
- Head gasket repair: $1,500-3,000
Photo: Pexels
Stay Safe
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Pressurized coolant can cause severe burns. If steam is coming from under the hood, stay away from the front of the vehicle. Keep windows down if using the heater trick in hot weather to avoid overheating yourself. If the temperature gauge goes into the red zone repeatedly, stop driving and call for professional help.