Engine Overheating
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What's going on
Overheating means heat isn't leaving the engine fast enough. Climbing Pikes Peak access roads, idling in summer traffic, or a small coolant leak can push temperature into the danger zone — where head gaskets and aluminum components fail quickly.
Symptoms
- Temperature gauge in the red or warning light on
- Steam from under the hood
- Sweet coolant smell inside or outside the vehicle
- Heater blows cold when the engine is hot
- Coolant low on the overflow tank or under the vehicle
Can I keep driving when the engine is overheating?
No — if the gauge is hot or you see steam, pull over safely, shut off the engine, and do not open a hot radiator cap.
Driving even a few miles hot can warp heads or blow a gasket — turning the heater on full may help temporarily in a pinch, but stopping is the right call.
Once cooled, you may drive a very short distance only if a shop is immediately nearby and the gauge stays normal — otherwise tow.
Common causes
- Coolant leak — hose, radiator, water pump, or heater core
- Thermostat stuck closed
- Failed radiator fan or fan clutch
- Water pump impeller worn (common on higher-mileage vehicles)
- Head gasket beginning to fail (white exhaust smoke, milky oil)
What happens next when you bring it in?
- 1 If you are stopped safely, call with what the gauge did and whether you see leaks.
- 2 We pressure-test the cooling system and check for combustion gases in the coolant when that fits the symptoms.
- 3 Before any major work, we explain what we found and what repair would involve.
Related problems
Unexpected repair?
Flexible financing is available through Wisetack and Synchrony Car Care™ to help spread the cost of qualifying repairs.
Colorado Springs independent repair — dealer-level diagnostics. Browse all common problems