If you see steam coming from under the hood of your car, if the check engine light comes on or if your temperature gauge goes into the red zone, you know your car has overheated. When dealing with an overheated car, there are some things you need to do to stay safe.
Instructions
- 1
Pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Turn on your emergency blinkers if stuck in traffic so cars are aware you're in trouble and they can get out of your way as you exit or pull over to the shoulder. Avoid pulling over on a roundabout, or around a blind corner. If possible, get into a parking lot and safely park the car.
2Realize that you mustn't open the hood if steam is coming out from your overheated car. You could get burned. Wait until the steam stops coming out of the hood.
3Add water to the radiator if it's empty and if you know how to do it safely. Use a rag or a towel if touching anything inside the engine to prevent burns. Use an anti-freeze when adding water to the radiator, but if there isn't any available, you can add plain water if the engine is cool.
4Drive the car if you're in an unsafe place or don't have a working cell phone. While a mechanic is needed soon, if the car has cooled down, if steam isn't coming out of the hood and if the temperature gauge stays out of the red zone, it is safe to drive the car. If you see steam or the temperature gauge moves back to red, pull over and let the car cool down again.
5Avoid waiting inside the car for maintenance if parked on the side of the road. If another car hits your car, you could be injured. Stay a few feet away from the car.
6Learn how to deal with basic roadside maintenance safely such as adding water to a radiator. Speak to a mechanic or take a class before your car breaks down on the side of the road.
