Car Overheating or Leaking Coolant: What to Do

What to do

1. Find the nearest safe stopping place

   Turn off the air conditioner, use hazard lights when appropriate, and pull over as soon as it is safe. If you cannot stop immediately, turning the cabin heater to high may help shed some heat only for the shortest move to a safe spot; it does not repair the problem.

2. Shut the engine off

   If the gauge is in the red, steam is heavy, coolant is leaking, or power is dropping, stop as soon as safely possible and turn the engine off. Do not continue a trip on an overheated engine.

3. Let it cool

   Do not open a hot radiator or coolant-reservoir cap. Hot pressurized coolant can cause severe burns. Stay clear of escaping steam. Wait for the system to cool completely and follow the owner’s manual before any inspection; there is no fixed cooling time that guarantees safety.

4. Arrange help

   Describe the warning, steam, leak and whether the vehicle rolls and steers. A compatible wheel-lift tow may be safer than driving to a shop.

Important limit

The heater trick is an emergency measure while reaching a safe stopping place, not permission to drive an overheating car any farther than necessary.

How to reduce the chance of this happening

Check coolant level only when the engine is cool, inspect for leaks, and have the cooling system maintained. Summer heat and stop-and-go driving can expose a weak hose, fan or radiator.

Sources and vehicle-specific instructions

Follow your vehicle owner’s manual for procedures and equipment limits. These sources informed the general safety guidance:

• AAA: overheating guidance
• NHTSA: summer driving safety

More help from Rick’s

For a service assessment in Lake View East or Chicago’s North Side, see the towing guide or Rick’s main website. Confirm availability, price and vehicle fit by phone.

Useful next steps

Prepare for a tow