Car Overheating? Here's What You Should Do

Your engine works hard every time you start it, and most days it quietly gets on with the job… until it doesn’t.

Engine overheating is a common cause of roadside breakdowns, especially in hot weather. Recognising the warning signs early can help you stay safe and avoid further damage to your vehicle.

Here's what to look out for, what to do if it happens and when to seek assistance.

Common signs that your car is overheating

1. A rising temperature gauge: Keep an eye on your dashboard. If the temperature gauge starts climbing towards the red zone or shows an unusually high reading, your engine could be overheating.
2. A dashboard warning light: Some cars have a temperature warning light that comes on when the engine gets too hot or there's a problem with the cooling system. If it lights up, don't ignore it.
3. Steam coming from under the bonnet: Steam escaping from under the bonnet is a warning that your engine may be overheating or coolant could be leaking onto hot engine components.
4. An unusual smell: A sweet, syrupy smell could indicate leaking coolant, while a burning smell may be a sign that something under the bonnet is getting too hot.
5. Loss of power: If your car suddenly feels sluggish or struggles to accelerate, overheating could be one of the possible causes.

If you notice any of these warnings, don't ignore them. Acting quickly can prevent a potentially minor issue from becoming a major repair.

What to do when your car overheats

1. Pull over somewhere safe

If your engine starts overheating, switch off the air conditioning to ease the load on the engine and find somewhere safe to pull over as soon as possible.

If you're on a busy road or highway, take extra care when choosing where to stop. Switch on your hazard lights once you've pulled over safely, and turn off the engine.

Don’t be tempted to keep driving to your destination. You could end up causing serious engine damage and facing a hefty repair bill.

2. Allow the engine to cool

Don't try to open the bonnet or attempt any checks while the engine is still hot. Steam, hot components and pressurised coolant can cause serious burns, particularly if you remove the radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap.

The safest thing to do is to give the engine time to cool completely before checking anything.

This could take a while, depending on how hot it's become.

3. Check the coolant level

Once the engine has cooled completely, check the coolant level in the reservoir, provided it's safe to do so. Your vehicle's owner's manual will show you where to find it if you're unsure.

Coolant helps keep your engine at the right temperature, so a low level could explain why it's overheating. It may also point to a leak or another problem with the cooling system.

Since you're unlikely to have spare coolant on hand, and topping it up won't necessarily fix the problem anyway, your safest bet is to call for roadside assistance rather than risk driving further.

4. A cooler engine doesn’t mean the problem is fixed

An engine that overheats can have several causes, including:

• Low coolant levels or a coolant leak
• A faulty thermostat
• A damaged or blocked radiator
• A malfunctioning cooling fan
• A faulty water pump

The important thing is to find out what's causing the problem. Roadside assistance will be able to advise you on what to do next and arrange to have the car towed to a workshop if necessary.

5. Have a vehicle warranty with The Unlimited?

An unexpected mechanical problem can be stressful, particularly when you're unsure what repairs might cost.

If you have an active vehicle warranty with The Unlimited, contact our team to find out what support may be available under your plan.

We can help you understand your cover, explain the claims process and guide you through the next steps.

Before authorising repairs, check the claims procedure in your warranty agreement. Some repairs may require prior approval, so it's important to understand the process before work begins.

Remember that cover depends on your specific plan, its terms and conditions, exclusions, limits and the cause of the mechanical failure.

How can you reduce the risk of your car overheating?

Not every mechanical fault can be prevented, but a little regular maintenance can go a long way towards reducing the risk of your engine overheating.

A few simple habits can make a difference:

1. Check your coolant level regularly. Always do this when the engine is cold, following the guidance in your owner's manual.
2. Keep up with scheduled servicing. Regular maintenance can help identify cooling system problems before they become more serious.
3. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Watch for any unusual changes, especially during long journeys or in heavy traffic.
4. Don't ignore leaks. If you notice an unusual puddle beneath your car, have it checked to find out where it's coming from.
5. Pay attention to dashboard warnings. If a warning light comes on, check your owner's manual to understand what it means and what action to take.

A little peace of mind goes a long way

Car trouble is frustrating at the best of times, and while you can't always prevent something from going wrong, knowing how to respond can make a stressful situation easier to manage.

And when unexpected repairs arise, having a vehicle warranty can also offer some extra peace of mind.

Don't have a vehicle warranty? Explore The Unlimited's vehicle warranty options and find out what cover could work for you.

Vehicle warranty cover is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of your specific plan. Insurance benefits are underwritten. The vehicle maintenance tips in this article are for general information only and are not a substitute for professional mechanical advice.