If you find that your car often gets a little hot under the hood, it’s probably an indication of a larger problem, so consult your repair shop or trusted auto expert. It’s not common for contemporary cars to overheat, and it’s never a good thing, regardless of your vehicle’s age. Braking generates a lot of friction, which will only turn up the heat. If you’re in stop-and-go traffic, aim to creep rather than alternating between braking and accelerating.This will encourage water and air flow through the radiator, helping to cool it. If you’re stopped in traffic, put the car in neutral or park and rev the engine a bit.But it’s important that you let your cooler head prevail and follow these tips: What to do if you’re in trafficīeing in traffic when your car begins to overheat can make the situation that much more stressful. A leaking hose, worn or broken fan belt, bad water pump, or malfunctioning thermostat may be the culprit. If the coolant tank is full, the problem may be electrical or mechanical in nature, in which case a tow to the nearest repair shop is definitely in order. If you don’t have coolant on hand when your car overheats, make sure to add a comparable amount of coolant as soon as possible. Note that most cars require a 50/50 mix of coolant with water to prevent overheating, so you won’t be able to drive indefinitely with nothing but water. If you absolutely have to add water while the engine is still warm, pour slowly while the engine is running in neutral or park. Do not pour cold water into a still-hot radiator - it could cause the engine block to crack due to the sudden change in temperature. Refill the cooled radiator with your spare coolant or water. ![]() Place a cloth over the radiator cap to protect your hand, and tilt the cap away from you as it opens. If you do have a leak, carefully open the radiator cap. If you notice a drip or puddle, chances are the coolant tank is leaking. If the coolant tank is empty, you may have sprung a leak. It’s usually a translucent plastic tank near the radiator. Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant tank.If you’d rather let a professional handle the problem, it’s time to call for a tow truck. It typically takes a solid 30 minutes for an engine to cool down enough for it to be safe to handle. ![]() If you can pop the hood from the driver’s seat, do so - but don’t risk opening it by hand until the engine has cooled, especially if you see steam wafting off the engine.
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