Car Engine Overheating

I know a lot about cars. I can look at a car's headlights and tell you exactly which way it's coming.-Mitch Hedberg

Years ago during a cross country college trip, smoke would come out of my engine whenever I stopped moving. A mechanic realized that the sensor for the engine cooling fan was broken. He didn’t have a spare sensor so instead he rigged the fan to continuously run with a switch I could use to turn it off and this got us across the country and back.

[eHow] Engine overheating is usually a symptom of another car problem--usually low coolant level caused by a leak, a thermostat that is stuck closed, an inoperative cooling fan or a clogged radiator. The most important thing is to turn off the car before the overheating does any damage.

Turn both the heater setting and the heater blower to high to divert heat from the engine. This may help, but only if the problem is a broken fan or fan belt (it's always worth a try).

Check the coolant level by looking at the coolant reservoir, a plastic tank. Do not open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The radiator is under pressure, and hot coolant could seriously burn you.

[wikihow] If you must remove the radiator cap to add water or coolant, place a towel over the cap and radiator, grip the cap through the towel, twist and pull away quickly. It is better to open the radiator cap while the engine is idling rather than turning it off. Do not turn the engine off to add water. If the cold water you are pouring in comes in contact with the very hot engine it will crack the block and it's then time to replace the engine! It ensures that no steam will pour out when you twist open the radiator cap because hot water is still circulated by the water pump.

If a low coolant level is not the problem, you have a more complicated cooling system problem and should call a tow truck.

Bottom Line

How to prepare your car for summer:

• Replace worn wiper blades and refill windshield washer solvent.


• Check coolant levels; a 50-50 solution of water and antifreeze is usually recommended. The system should be flushed and refilled at least every two years.


• Belts and hoses endure a lot of wear and tear during the winter. Look for worn or cracked belts and damaged, blistered, or soft hoses and replace them.


• Use a gauge to recheck the pressure of your tires and your spare. Proper tire pressure maximizes gas mileage and prevents some wear and tear on your tires.


• Motorists should always carry an emergency kit in their vehicles. The kit should be stocked with a flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, a first-aid kit and a cellular phone.

See also www.arrowheadradiator.com/Why_is_my_car_overheating.htm