One common misconception about a car overheating is that it only happens in summer, during traffic jams, or on mountainous terrain. In fact, it can occur in any season, on level ground, and in normal traffic. If it does happen, you need to know what to do. To bring you up to speed, Anderson Automotive East, the leading car repair service in Cincinnati, OH, explains what steps to take if your car overheats.

What to Do if Your Car Starts Overheating

Always Carry Spare Coolant

T best practice is to carry a spare jug of coolant or antifreeze. The most common reason for overheating is low coolant levels, so it pays to be prepared. However, never open the hood of an overheating car until it has had time to cool off.

Turn Off Air Conditioner

The air conditioner causes your engine to work harder, so if the engine still seems to be running hot, turn the AC off and open your windows. If the engine temperature continues to rise, turn your heater on high. This will likely make you uncomfortably warm, but it pulls hot air away from the engine compartment and may prevent serious problems.

Pull Over & Turn Off Engine

If none of these steps work, pull over and park somewhere safely out of traffic and turn off your engine. Release the hood latch from inside the car to allow cool air to reach the engine compartment, but don't risk getting burned or scalded by lifting the hood by hand, particularly if steam is issuing from the radiator.

Wait 30 Minutes for the Engine to Cool

It takes about a half-hour for a hot engine to cool down enough for you to start an inspection. Once it has safely cooled, check the engine coolant levels and add antifreeze as necessary. This will hopefully be enough to get you to safety. If billowing steam reappears when you restart the car, have a tow truck transport your vehicle to a car repair facility.

Overheating can be caused by a leak in your radiator, water pump, head gasket, or hoses, so it's important to have your cooling system inspected to avoid further trouble. Contact Anderson Automotive East, the premier car repair shop in Cincinnati, OH, for fast, reliable service. They also carry car parts and car detailing supplies and provide free "Check Engine Light Diagnostics" for your convenience. Visit their website for location details and business hours, or call (513) 474-4200 to schedule service.