Usually caused by leaking coolant, a faulty thermostat, or a broken fan, an overheated engine is a dangerous issue to have on the road. It's also damaging to the longevity of your car. The best way to prevent this problem is by being aware of the warning signs; this is an essential auto care skill every driver should have. For your safety, here are a few critical indications to keep in mind.

How to Tell if Your Engine Is Overheating

1. Puddle of Coolant

The most visible sign of a coolant problem is a puddle underneath your car when you park. There may be a tear in the hose, or it could have overheated and caused the coolant to bubble over. Either way, there probably isn't enough coolant in the tank. Check the levels and refill if needed. As a general auto care tip, only touch pieces on the engine, like a cap, once the car has completely cooled down; otherwise, you'll likely experience burns. If you still see leaking coolant after replenishing it, there’s probably an issue with the hose, and it will need to be repaired or replaced.

2. Steam or Smoke Emanating From the Hood

If steam or smoke is coming out of the hood, your engine is overheating. Whether or not the temperature gauge is in the red, turn off the air conditioner, and look for a safe spot to pull over. Avoid driving more than a quarter-mile in this condition. It can also help to turn on the heater as high as possible in the interim. Once you’ve pulled over, call a tow truck and have your car taken to a repair shop. 

3. Rising Temperature Gauge

Located on the dashboard, the temperature gauge resembles a one-sided skeleton key in the water. If you can't find it, refer to the auto care section in the owners manual. It measures the temperature of the coolant. At the right side, there is a red zone; if the needle is edging closer to it, your coolant is getting dangerously hot. When this happens, turn off the air conditioner. If the temperature on the gauge doesn’t go down, pull over and turn off the engine entirely. If the hood doesn’t feel hot to the touch, you can also pop it open to help cool it down. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying to turn it on again. 

If you’ve been experiencing any of these issues, have the mechanics at Professional Automotive take a look. For more than 25 years, they’ve provided reliable, honest, and high-quality auto care services for people in Anchorage, AK. With an Automotive Service Excellence-certified team and state-of-the-art computer diagnostics, they’ll figure out what’s wrong and repair it in no time. To learn more about their auto care services, visit their website, or call them today at (907) 562-2471 to schedule an appointment.