5 Signs Your Vehicle Is Overheating (And What to Do Next)
Summer heat is brutal on both people and cars. When temperatures rise, your vehicle’s cooling system works overtime to keep the engine running at a safe temperature. But when something goes wrong—especially during a Florida summer—overheating can happen fast and lead to serious (and expensive) damage.
Here are 5 key signs your car may be overheating, what causes it, and what to do if you’re stuck on the side of the road with a steaming engine.
🔧 1. Steam or Smoke Coming from Under the Hood
If you see white steam billowing from the front of your car, your engine is likely overheating. This is a warning sign that coolant is boiling over and the system is under serious stress.
What to do: Pull over safely and turn off the engine immediately. Continuing to drive can cause the engine to warp or seize.
🌡️ 2. Temperature Gauge Spiking into the Red
Most dashboards have a temperature gauge with a needle that should stay somewhere in the middle during normal operation. If it climbs into the red zone, your engine is running hot.
What to do: Turn off the A/C and turn on the heater full blast. It might feel miserable in summer, but it pulls heat away from the engine temporarily while you get to safety.
🚨 3. Warning Lights or Messages
Modern vehicles often display a thermometer icon, “Engine Hot,” or “Coolant Over Temp” warnings when overheating begins.
Don’t ignore these! These systems are built to alert you before major damage occurs—if you act quickly.
💦 4. Poor Engine Performance or Ticking Sounds
An overheating engine may start running rough, losing power, or making a clicking or ticking sound. This is usually caused by oil thinning due to extreme heat, making it harder to properly lubricate moving parts.
🛠️ 5. Coolant Leaking or Low Reservoir Level
A puddle of bright green, orange, or pink fluid under your vehicle could be coolant. Overheating often stems from leaks, a failing water pump, or a cracked radiator hose.
What to do: Never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot—pressurized coolant can spray and cause burns. Wait for the engine to cool completely, then check fluid levels or call for assistance.
☀️ Why Does Overheating Happen More in Summer?
The hotter the weather, the harder your cooling system has to work. Combine that with:
- Long road trips
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Dirty or clogged radiators
- Low coolant levels
- Failing thermostat or water pump
…and you’ve got the perfect recipe for overheating.
🧃 Myth Busting: Water Is NOT the Same as Coolant
While water can help in an emergency, it doesn't protect your engine the way coolant does. Coolant includes additives that prevent corrosion, lubricate the water pump, and raise the boiling point of the liquid. Water alone can cause rust and evaporates more quickly under heat.
🧰 What to Do if Your Vehicle Overheats:
- Pull over and turn off the engine.
- Let the engine cool before opening the hood.
- Do not open the radiator cap while hot.
- Call us or a tow service if unsure.
- Have your cooling system inspected before driving again.
✅ Stay Ahead of the Heat
Don’t wait for your engine to boil over. At Transmission Doctor and Auto Care, we’ll check your coolant levels, hoses, fans, and thermostat to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the heat—so you’re not stuck on the side of the road.
📞 Call us today at 386-462-7775 or stop by for a courtesy inspection.