Emergency car maintenance, like repairing an overheated engine, can be stressful and potentially dangerous when you’re on the road. These types of situations require immediate attention to avoid expensive repairs and a potential breakdown. Whether you're in the middle of a long road trip or simply commuting to work, knowing how to handle this emergency can save you hassle and permanent engine damage. In this article, we'll cover what to do if your engine overheats, warning signs to look out for, and whether this type of incident may be covered under your auto insurance policy.
What should you do when your car overheats?
It’s essential to take quick action when your car overheats to avoid permanent engine damage and ensure your safety. There are several steps you should follow to make sure you and your vehicle are as safe as possible in these circumstances:
Pull Over Safely: When you notice the temperature gauge on your dashboard moving into the red zone or see steam coming from under the hood, pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot as soon as it’s safe to do so. Driving an overheating engine can cause severe and permanent damage, so stopping your vehicle as soon as possible is crucial.
Turn Off the Car: Once you've pulled over, turn off the engine. This will help reduce the temperature to prevent further overheating. You'll want to give the engine time to cool down before addressing the issue.
Allow the Engine to Cool: Pop the hood of your car to let heat escape. Be cautious when opening the hood, as there might be pressurized steam or hot coolant. It’s a good idea to wait a few minutes after turning off the engine before opening the hood so you don't burn yourself.
Check Coolant Levels: Carefully check the coolant reservoir level once the engine has cooled down. If it's low, add coolant or water to the reservoir. You shouldn’t open the radiator cap before the engine can cool, as it can cause severe burns.
Inspect for Leaks: Check for signs of water or coolant leaks underneath your car. If you notice a significant coolant leak, you’ll want to contact a professional for assistance.
Restart the Engine: After adding coolant or water and ensuring no leaks, restart the engine and monitor the temperature gauge. If the gauge returns to the normal range, you can cautiously continue driving to reach a safe location or a service center.
Contact a Professional: If the temperature gauge remains high or you're uncertain why your car is overheating, contact roadside assistance service or a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repairs.
What are the warning signs of an overheating engine?
Recognizing the warning signs of a car running too hot prevents your engine from overheating. Here’s what to look for:
Temperature in the Red Zone: The temperature gauge on the dashboard rising into the red zone is an obvious sign of overheating. This gauge indicates the engine's operating temperature, showing when it exceeds the normal range, it signals a potential overheating issue.
Steam or Smoke from the Engine: If you notice smoke or steam coming from under your car's hood, it indicates overheating. In addition to smoke, you may also notice the sweet smell of burning coolant or engine oil. This odor may be noticeable inside or around the vehicle's exterior.
Dashboard Warning Lights: Many modern vehicles have warning lights that illuminate when the engine overheats. Watch for the "Check Engine" light or a temperature warning light on the dashboard, indicating potential engine issues.
Will your auto insurance policy cover the cost of your engine overheating?
Auto insurance coverage for an overheating engine can vary depending on your policy type and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Standard auto insurance policies typically don’t cover mechanical breakdowns or wear and tear, including engine overheating, since they’re considered maintenance-related issues.
However, specialized insurance products, like mechanical breakdown insurance or extended warranty coverage, may protect engine overheating and other mechanical failures. These additional coverage options can help with the cost of repairs and replacements for vehicle components, including the engine, beyond what a standard auto insurance policy would cover.
Keep Your Vehicle Protected with the Right Coverage from SelectQuote
Regular maintenance and engine checks are just one aspect of ensuring your vehicle stays safe on the road. Securing the right auto insurance policy is essential for the protection you and your vehicle need. Fortunately, SelectQuote is here to help. With nearly 40 years of industry experience, our licensed insurance agents can help you review unbiased quotes from several of the nation’s most highly trusted carriers, all in one place. We make it easy to find the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget so you can focus on the more important things, like staying safe behind the wheel.
