An overheating car is an unfortunate—and potentially dangerous—inconvenience. While you should take the car to an auto mechanic for evaluation and repair, there are a few strategies for dealing with the issue in the interim. To ensure your vehicle receives the best care, below are several do’s and don’ts to follow when your car overheats.

Do:

Turn off the air conditioner.

When a vehicle overheats, reduce the engine’s load so that it doesn’t work too hard and make the problem worse. The compressor in the vehicle’s air conditioning system adds a burden to the engine, so turn it off when you realize the car is overheating. Also, turn the heater on to max power, as this will draw warmth from the engine. It may make the cabin uncomfortable, but it can prolong the life of the vehicle.

Open the hood.

If possible, park in a safe location to rest your vehicle with the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the hood to cool, then open it to pull some of the heat away from the engine compartment. Leave the car off for at least 15 minutes, and let the engine vent. The temperature gauge should go back to normal by then.

Don’t:

Don’t keep driving.

The harder you push an overheating engine by driving, the faster the motor will give out. Once you realize the car is overheating, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, and stop driving. If you continue driving, you can break the head gasket or warp the cylinders. For older vehicles, warped cylinders can be more costly to repair than replacing the entire engine.

Assume you know the cause. 

There is no single reason why a car will overheat. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including a failing water pump, a loosening fan belt, leaking coolant, or a sticking engine thermostat. Attempting to treat an overheating car without understanding the cause can create more problems, so let an experienced auto mechanic handle the job.

If your vehicle is overheating, reach out to the auto mechanics at Mullanphy Tire & Automotive. Located in Florissant, MO, this auto repair shop provides reliable auto repairs at affordable prices. Their certified technicians can work on all car makes and models, and they offer oil changes, brake service, comprehensive engine work, and more. Schedule an appointment with one of their knowledgeable auto mechanics by calling (314) 921-4961. Visit them online for more details about their services.