Few things are as bad on the road as seeing steam come out from under your car’s hood. You could be in slow traffic on a very hot day or going fast on the highway, and your engine can get too hot when you least think it will. Even though it’s quite a common thing, many drivers still get shocked by it, and worse, they’re not sure what to do.
When your car gets too hot, you must think of safety first, not just for you, but for the people with you and other drivers. Lucky, knowing what to do can keep you from big engine harm and a big bill from the car fix place. So, if you’re not sure what to do if your car gets too hot, here’s an easy guide you can use, given to you by Maningham Towing, your go-to group for car towing in Melbourne.
Why Do Cars Get Too Hot?
It’s good to know why a car gets too hot before we go into the steps. Your car’s engine makes a lot of heat when it works, and the cooling system keeps the heat within normal limits. When this system doesn’t work, heat can go up fast.
Common reasons include:
Not enough coolant
A radiator that leaks
A thermostat that doesn’t work right
Broken water pump
Hoses that are blocked or damaged
A radiator fan that’s not working
In Melbourne’s summer or during long drives, these problems can get bad fast. If things turn bad in the city or farther, it’s good to know you can call car towing in Melbourne any time.
Signs That Your Car Is Getting Too Hot
Seeing the first signs that your engine is getting too hot can stop a big car problem. Here are clues to keep an eye out for:
Steam or smoke from under the hood
Heat marker going to “H” or a red zone
Warning lights on your board (often a thermometer sign)
Weird sounds, like knocking or ticking
Less power, or the engine stops.
Strong smell, like hot oil or coolant
Seeing these things early can help you act fast and stop big harm to your engine.
What To Do If Your Car Gets Too Hot?
When your car starts to get too hot, you might get scared, but staying calm is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do then.
1. Pull Over Right Away and Turn Off The Engine
The second you see your engine getting too hot, safely pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot. Keep going with a hot engine can ruin it big, like a blown head gasket or a bent engine block.
Once you’re in a safe spot, turn off the engine. Letting it keep going will only make it worse. If you’re on a busy road or freeway in Melbourne, turn on your danger lights and pull over as far as you can.
2. Don’t Open the Hood Right Away
You might want to open the hood and see what’s up. But if your car is too hot, there could be very hot coolant or steam under pressure. If you open the hood too soon, you could get bad burns.
Wait at least 15–30 minutes for the engine to cool before checking. If you must open the hood, use a thick cloth or gloves to keep your hands safe and open it slowly from the side, not right in front.
3. Call a Professional Towing Service
This is where Maningham Towing comes in. Driving a hot car, even a short way, can make bad, lasting harm to your engine. Don’t take that chance; call a professional car towing service in Melbourne.
Our team can help you anytime, any day. We can move your car safely to a mechanic you trust, keeping you from further harm to your car and saving you a lot in fix costs.
4. Check the Coolant (Once Safe)
Once the engine is cool, check the coolant level in the holder. If it’s low or empty, that’s likely why your car got too hot. But, this is not a full fix—if your coolant is often low, there might be a leak or another problem that a pro needs to look at.
And remember: Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Wait until it’s cool to avoid getting hurt.
5. Turn on the Heater (If You Must Keep Driving)
If you’re far from help and can’t get car towing in Melbourne quickly, you might need to drive a bit more. If so, turn off the air and turn on the heat to max.
It may sound odd, but this move can pull heat from the engine and lower the temperature a bit, just enough to get you to a safe spot or nearer to help.
6. Don’t Try To Fix Things Yourself On The Road
Unless you’re a car pro with tools with you, don’t try to fix things yourself on the road. Trying a fix might make things worse or be unsafe.
Instead, stay in your car (if it’s safe), call for help, and wait for your car towing pro in Melbourne to show up. Let the experts check and fix your car the right way.
A hot engine might feel like a nightmare on the road, but knowing what to do can help. Safety should always come first, then getting professional help fast.
So, the next time you see that heat marker go up or steam come from your hood, don’t lose your cool—pull over, stay safe, and call Maningham Towing. With good car towing in Melbourne, we’ll help you and your car get back on the road with less worry.
Save our number now—you never know when you’ll need it.