Engine Overheating? Here’s What to Do Before Calling a Mechanic

Picture this; you’re driving down King George’s Road and you see the temperature gauge in your car soar into the red. Would you know how to react? If not, this article is going to tell you all you need to know if the engine in your car overheats.

Find a Safe Place to Pull Over

Engine overheating is a serious problem that could lead to costly repairs and, in some cases, major safety concerns. Every Roseland car mechanic will tell you that the first step to avoiding these issues is to find a safe place to pull over. Once you do, switch off the engine and let the engine cool down completely.

Do Not Open the Radiator Cap

It’s recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before you open the bonnet and assess the damage. When you do lift the bonnet, do not open the radiator cap as there is likely a buildup of pressure that could spray out and cause serious burns.

What is the coolant level?

After the engine is completely cool, open the bonnet and have a look at the coolant level. If it is low, this could be the cause of the problem. Top up the level to the recommended level and see if the level stabilises. If the coolant drains out and levels fall below the top-up line, chances are there’s a leak which means driving should be avoided at all costs.

Look for Signs of a Leak

When it’s safe to do so, get down low and check for signs of a leak under the vehicle. Look for puddles of a coloured liquid (coolant is typically orange, pink or green in colour). If you do see signs of a leak, call roadside assistance and do not start the engine.

Check Radiator Hoses

A cracked or broken radiator hose will lead to a coolant leak so take some time to check the upper and lower hoses.  If you’re unsure of where these hoses are located, be sure to wait until help arrives as you could put yourself at risk and cause more damage to the vehicle.

Start the Engine

If you have topped up the coolant and there’s no signs of a leak, start the engine and check if the temperature on the gauge stabilises. Should the needle start to move left, leave the engine running for a few minutes before attempting to move off. If it moves back to a safe position, move off slowly and drive to the nearest Roseland car mechanic for a closer inspection. Alternatively, should the needle move to the right indicating the temperature is rising, turn off the engine and call roadside assistance immediately.