What should you do if your car overheats?

When your car overheats, the most appropriate action is to pull over and turn off the engine, and it’s recommended not to open the hood immediately. This is important for several reasons. First, shutting off the engine helps to prevent further damage to the internal components, which can be severely impacted by excessive heat. Secondly, opening the hood too soon can expose you to steam or hot components, which can cause burns or injury.

Allowing the vehicle to sit for a while enables the engine to cool down naturally. Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, you can then safely open the hood to check for issues, such as leaks or coolant levels, but only after taking these precautions. Directly opening the hood while the engine is still hot can be dangerous due to the potential release of steam or the risk of burns from hot surfaces.

In contrast, continuing to drive is likely to cause more damage to the engine, while pouring cold water on the engine can lead to thermal shock and create additional problems.