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Car overheating: what to do and what not to do

Safe steps when the temperature needle goes up, and common causes a mechanic will check.

3 min readUpdated 04-Nov-2026

Right away

  • Switch off the AC and pull over safely.
  • Turn off the engine.
  • Never open the radiator cap while hot: boiling coolant can burn you.
  • Wait at least 30 minutes before checking coolant.

Common causes

  • Low coolant or a leaking hose
  • Radiator fan not working
  • Blocked radiator
  • Faulty thermostat or water pump

Don't keep driving

Driving an overheated engine can damage the head gasket and cost far more. Call a checked mechanic or tap Emergency to see the nearest one.

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