Engine Overheating
Overheating means the engine is not shedding heat fast enough. Climbing toward Pikes Peak, sitting in summer traffic, or a small coolant leak can push the temperature into the danger zone — where head gaskets and aluminum parts fail quickly.
Symptoms
- Temperature gauge in the red or a warning light on
- Steam from under the hood
- Sweet coolant smell inside or outside the car
- Heater blows cold even though the engine is hot
- Coolant low in the overflow tank or puddled under the car
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.
Even a few miles hot can warp the head or blow a gasket. Turning the heater on full may buy a little time, but stopping is the right call.
After it cools, you might drive a very short distance only if a shop is right nearby and the gauge stays normal. Otherwise, tow.
Common causes
- Coolant leak — hose, radiator, water pump, or heater core
- Thermostat stuck closed — coolant cannot circulate
- Failed radiator fan or fan clutch
- Worn water pump impeller — common on higher-mileage cars
- Head gasket starting to fail — white exhaust smoke or milky oil
What happens next when you bring it in?
- 1 If you are stopped safely, call us. Tell us 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 the symptoms fit.
- 3 We find the real problem first. You get a clear estimate before we do any major work.
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Unexpected repair?
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