An overheating car could be caused by a variety of reasons.  It could be a broken radiator, a kinked radiator hose, a faulty thermostat, and maybe even a lack of coolant.  There are many more reasons as well.  No matter what the cause, if you are ever in a similar situation, there are three major things you should never do when your car is overheating.

❶ Do Not Continue Driving

When you first notice that your vehicle is overheating, it is crucial to pull over and stop the car immediately.  An overheating car should never be driven.  This can be very dangerous.  Wait until your car is entirely cooled down before starting the engine again.

❷ Never Check the Radiator Fluid

Checking the fluid levels in your radiator when the car is overheating is simply asking for trouble.  It can be extremely dangerous.  There is a lot of pressure built up beneath the radiator cap.  Boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, potentially burning and injuring anyone in its path.  Determine whether or not you are on an inline for accurate fluid readings.  If the car is not level, the fluids cannot be level.

❸ Never Use Cold Water on a Hot Engine

When a car’s engine has overheated, do not put cold water in the vehicle.  Not only can this damage the engine block and cause it to crack, it can lead to other severe auto damages and costly repairs.  Let a car cool down completely, as mentioned earlier, before tending to an overheated engine.

Here’s What To Do When Your Car Overheats:

➀ Pull Over Immediately
➁ Place Vehicle in Park
➂ Turn Off Engine
➃ Remove Keys from Ignition and Place in Pocket
➄ Walk Off a Busy Road
➅ Find a Safe Location to Wait for Help