How to Identify an Overheating Car

Cars pulled along the side of the road with their hoods up and the white steam rolling out is a common sight. Perhaps that's happened to you. Here are some tips to identify an overheating car before you damage your car's motor. All of these ideas can help you get to a service center that can fix your car properly.

Instructions

1. Know your car's normal operating temperature. Not all cars run at the same temperature. Identify where the temperature gauge normally runs so you can identify when you car is overheating.

2. Get enough coolant in the car's radiator to keep your car from overheating. Remember to check the car when the radiator is cool. If you don't have any antifreeze, add some water. It dilutes the antifreeze, but it can help you get your car to a service station.

3. Identify the uptake hose on the radiator. Sometimes this hose clogs, which then causes the engine to run hot. Cleaning the hose helps the car operate at a normal temperature. Re-fasten the hose if it's loose. Plan to replace the hose as soon as possible.

4. Determine if the thermostat is stuck. After the car has run for a while, feel the upper radiator hose. It should be warm. If it's not, the thermostat isn't working properly.

5. Turn the heat up in the car if the gauge reads "hot." That draws some of the heat from the engine. Don't do this repeatedly day after day. Do this only long enough to get your car to a service station.

6. Back off from the car in front of you especially if traffic is bumper to bumper. This gives your car some "breathing room."

Tips & Warnings

• If there is steam coming from under the hood of your car, don't open the hood until the steam escapes. You run the risk of serious burn injury if you open the hood too quickly.

• Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine.

• Never drive your car after it overheats until a mechanic checks it.