™Car overheating? What to do right now
Short answer: Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and don't open the radiator or reservoir cap while it's hot. Then find out why it overheated before you drive again.
Do this now.
- If the gauge climbs while you drive, turn the A/C off and the heat on (AAA).
- Pull over safely and turn off the engine.
- Don’t open the radiator or reservoir cap while it’s hot. Wait at least about 20 minutes before opening it; longer is safer (AAA).
- Check the coolant level once it’s cool.
- Get a tow if it overheats again.
Is it safe to drive? Stop if the gauge is in the red or the coolant temperature light is on. Continuing to drive risks engine damage.
Common causes
- Low coolant or a leak. The most common place to start.
- Thermostat stuck closed. Coolant can't reach the radiator. See the thermostat guide.
- Failing water pump. Coolant stops circulating. See the water pump guide.
- Radiator leak or clog. See the radiator guide.
- Cooling fan or radiator cap. A fan that doesn't switch on, or a cap that doesn't hold pressure.
- Head gasket failure. See the head gasket guide.
What to do now
- Check the coolant level on a cold engine.
- Look for visible leaks under the front of the car.
- For the repairs themselves, see the radiator and thermostat guides.
What a good diagnosis looks like
- Checking the coolant level.
- A cooling-system pressure test.
- Checking the fan and the cap.
- A head gasket check if it overheated badly.
What makes a repair quote higher or lower
- Which part failed.
- Whether the overheating caused further damage.
- OEM or aftermarket parts.
- A dealer or an independent shop.
Safety notes
- Hot coolant can scald.
- Coolant is toxic to pets and children.
Questions to ask the shop
- What caused the overheating, and how did you confirm it?
- Did you pressure-test the system?
- Did you check for head gasket damage?
- Which parts are you replacing, and why each one?
More questions by repair type →
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my car overheats?
Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and don't open the radiator or reservoir cap while it's hot. Wait at least about 20 minutes, check the coolant once it's cool, and get a tow if it overheats again.
Can I keep driving an overheating car?
No. Pull over when it's safe, since continuing can seriously damage the engine.
Why is my car overheating when the coolant is full?
Possible causes include the thermostat, water pump, fan, a radiator clog or the head gasket. A pressure test and an inspection narrow it down.
Related guides
- Radiator replacement explained
- Thermostat replacement guide
- Water pump replacement guide
- Head gasket repair explained
- Coolant temperature light
- Serpentine belt replacement guide
- How to read a repair quote
- Questions to ask before you approve a repair
- Questions to ask about your repair quote
Sources
- AAA Oregon/Idaho: car overheating, 8 causes and solutions (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- AAA Oregon/Idaho: dealing with an overheating car (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- AAA Via: how to prevent your car from overheating (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- Consumer Reports: what to do if your car overheats (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- Fel-Pro: can you drive with a blown head gasket? (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- Gates: cooling system troubleshooting guide (PDF) (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- CDC/NIOSH: ethylene glycol in antifreeze (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- Poison Control: antifreeze is bad for kids and pets (checked Nov 1, 2026)
- AAA: what to do if your car is overheating (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- AAA: summer safety, overheating cars (checked Oct 31, 2026)
- NHTSA: check your vehicle for recalls
Also worth checking: open recalls on your vehicle (NHTSA, above) before paying for a repair. A recall repair is free at a dealer.
General information from someone with automotive sales and service-writer experience, not professional mechanical advice and not a substitute for an inspection by a qualified technician. We don’t publish repair prices; what you pay depends on your vehicle, region and shop. How we write our guides.
General information, not professional advice for your vehicle.