You’re cruising down the road, windows down, music on—and suddenly, the temperature gauge spikes. Maybe you see steam rising from the hood, or a warning light pops up on the dash. That sinking feeling in your stomach? Totally normal. An overheating engine isn’t just inconvenient—it can be a serious (and expensive) problem if ignored.
At our towing company, we get a lot of calls from drivers caught off guard by overheating engines. And here’s the truth: most people don’t know what to do in the moment. So, let’s break it down—step by step—so you’re prepared if it ever happens to you.
First Things First: Stay Calm and Find a Safe Spot
The moment you notice the temperature gauge creeping into the red, or you see steam coming from the hood, your top priority is to get off the road safely. Don’t panic slam the brakes, but don’t keep driving either. Look for a safe place to pull over—ideally away from traffic and on level ground.
If you’re stuck in traffic, turn on your hazard lights, shift into neutral or park, and keep your eyes on the temperature gauge.
Don’t Open the Hood Right Away
This one’s important. If your engine is steaming or smoking, resist the urge to pop the hood immediately. The cooling system is under pressure, and opening it too soon can cause hot steam or boiling coolant to shoot out—which can cause serious burns.
Give it 15–30 minutes to cool down before touching anything. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to wait or call for help. We’ve seen too many people burn themselves trying to “check the radiator” too soon.
Turn Off the A/C and Turn On the Heater
This might sound weird, but it works. Turning off your air conditioner reduces the load on your engine. Meanwhile, turning on your car’s heater to full blast can help draw some heat away from the engine and into the cabin (yes, it might get toasty inside, but it could help buy you time).
If you’re in motion and not in a safe spot to stop just yet, this little trick might help prevent the temperature from spiking even higher.
Check the Coolant Level (But Only When It’s Cool)
Once things have cooled down and it’s safe to lift the hood, check your coolant level. Most cars have a translucent overflow tank with “MIN” and “MAX” markings, so you don’t even have to open the radiator cap.
If the coolant is low, that could be the cause of your overheating. You can top it off with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water if you have it. If you’re stuck, plain water will do temporarily, but it’s not a long-term fix.
We once helped a driver on the outskirts of Melbourne whose radiator was bone dry. They had no coolant but did have bottled water from a camping trip. That water got them safely to a workshop—but they were lucky. Running an engine with low coolant for too long can lead to cracked heads, blown gaskets, or a seized engine.
Check for Obvious Leaks or Damage
Look under the vehicle for puddles of coolant or signs of leaking hoses. If you notice bright green, orange, or pink fluid, that’s likely your coolant. Cracked hoses, a broken radiator fan, or a failing water pump could be the root cause.
Some problems are obvious. Others? Not so much. That’s where a mechanic (or a tow) comes in handy.
Can You Keep Driving After It Cools Down?
That depends. If the coolant was just a little low and you topped it up, and the temperature gauge stays stable, you might be able to carefully drive to a nearby mechanic.
But if the gauge shoots back up, you smell something burning, or the engine starts making strange noises—stop. Driving an overheating engine can cause catastrophic damage fast. It’s not worth risking thousands in repairs just to “make it home.”
We had a customer who ignored the heat warning because they were only 5km from home. By the time we towed the car, the engine had warped from the heat. What could have been a $100 fix turned into a full engine rebuild.
When to Call for Help
If the engine won’t cool down, you’re out of coolant, or you’re not sure what’s going on—give us a ring. It’s what we do. Whether it’s a quick jump, a tow to your local workshop, or just a second pair of eyes, we’d much rather help early than after permanent damage is done.
Roadside breakdowns aren’t fun, but you’re not alone—and an overheating engine doesn’t always mean the end of the world. Sometimes it’s just a worn-out hose or a leaky radiator cap.
Think of your engine like your body—when it gets too hot, it’s trying to tell you something. Listen to it, cool it down, and get it checked out. That little bit of care can keep you on the road and out of the breakdown lane.
If you are in Glenroy, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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