How Do You Cool An Overheated Engine?
Engine overheating is a symptom of another problem–usually low coolant level caused by a leak, a thermostat that’s stuck closed, an inoperative cooling fan or a clogged radiator. The most important thing is to turn off the car before the overheating does any damage. Step 1 Put on your turn signals and/or flashers to indicate you are pulling off the road. Step 2 Turn both the heater setting and the heater blower to high to divert heat from the engine. This may help, but only if the problem is a broken fan or fan belt (it’s always worth a try). Step 3 Pull over and find a safe place to park on the side of the road. Step 4 Turn off the engine. Step 5 Open the hood. Step 6 Check the coolant level by looking at the coolant reservoir, a plastic tank. (Do not open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The radiator is under pressure, and hot coolant could seriously burn you.) On some German cars the plastic coolant tank is pressurized–wait for the engine to cool before opening the tank to
