Engine Overheating in Summer: What To Do Before You're Stranded

When the temperature climbs and you're crawling through stop-and-go traffic on I-94 or I-43, your engine is working harder than at almost any other time of year. That's why an overheating engine is one of the most common reasons drivers get stranded in a Milwaukee summer. Knowing the warning signs—and the right moves to make—can save you from an expensive repair.

Why summer is hard on your cooling system

High outside temperatures, a hard-working air conditioner and slow, stop-and-go traffic all force your engine to shed more heat than usual. Add a low coolant level, an aging water pump, a stuck thermostat or a tired radiator, and a hot afternoon is all it takes to push temperatures into the red. Festival-season gridlock and summer highway construction backups only make it worse.

Warning signs to watch for

Keep an eye on your temperature gauge creeping toward the red zone or a temperature warning light on the dash. Other red flags include steam or vapor rising from under the hood, a sweet, syrupy smell (that's coolant) or a hot, burning odor, and a noticeable drop in power. Catching it early can be the difference between a simple top-off and a blown head gasket.

What to do the moment it starts overheating

First, turn off the A/C and crank the heater to full blast—it feels miserable, but it pulls heat away from the engine. Ease off the throttle, signal, and get safely onto the shoulder or off at the next exit. Shut the engine off, pop the hood release, and then leave the hood alone to cool. Give it at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go near anything under there.

What not to do

Never open the radiator or coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot—the system is pressurized and can spray scalding coolant. Don't keep driving on a hot engine hoping to make it home; a few overheated miles can warp the cylinder head or blow a gasket, turning a cheap fix into a major repair. And never pour cold water into a hot engine, which can crack the block.

When it's time to call a tow

If your engine overheated badly, kept climbing after you pulled over, or you saw steam, the safe move is to stop driving and have it flatbedded to a shop. A short flatbed ride is far cheaper than engine repairs. Top Speed Towing & Recovery runs damage-free flatbeds across the Milwaukee metro 24/7—call us and we'll get a truck headed your way with an honest ETA.