If you notice steam or smoke coming from your engine or see the temperature gauge creeping up, it's essential to address the issue right away. Driving an overheated car can cause serious damage to the engine, and will also cause the car to break down. While you wait for roadside assistance, follow these steps to keep yourself and your vehicle safe.

How to Deal With an Overheating Car

1. Pull Over

Driving while your car is overheated can crack or warp engine parts, as well as put intense pressure on the cooling system if the remaining coolant boils. As soon as it's safe to get off the road, pull over and turn off the engine.

2. Wait for It to Cool

An overheated engine is hot enough to cause burns, so don't try to open the hood as soon as you pull over. Instead, wait for about half an hour before taking the next steps. Before you open the hood, check the temperature by holding the back of your hand near it without touching it.

3. Check Your Coolant

If there's no coolant in the tank, you can likely solve the problem in the short term by topping it off. If you’re close enough to home or an auto maintenance shop, call a friend to bring you some supplies. If not, call for roadside assistance. 

4. Check Hoses

You can also check for major leaks yourself. Check the hoses and their fastenings for cracking or signs of moisture. If there’s an obvious leak, topping off the coolant may not buy you much driving time. Instead, call a tow truck and take your car to an auto maintenance shop to identify and repair the leak. 

5. Keep an Eye On It

When you're ready to start driving again, keep an eye on the temperature gauge. If it starts to rise again, it's not safe to continue driving your car until the cause of the recurring heat problem is repaired.

If you need roadside assistance in the River Valley, AR, area, call Cogswell Towing in Russellville, Danville, and Morrilton. They have almost 70 years of experience providing comprehensive services for cars, from initial roadside assistance and towing to a full range of repairs. They even offer rental cars during the time your car is in the shop. Learn more about these and other services online, or call (479) 968-4665 to speak with a technician today.