What happens if radiator overheat

Store these essential items in you car: Coolant, tool kit, working flashlight, non-perishable foods and water. To re-enter your course where you left off, please enter your login id and password below:. However, if there is no experienced mechanic or tow truck nearby, follow these simple steps: Pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. Do not open the hood until the car has completely cooled or the temperature gauge has moved from hot to cool.

Check the coolant also called antifreeze level in the radiator. Make sure the radiator cap is cool before opening it. Browse our selection of trailer tires by size. Would you like to continue or start a new search? If you change your vehicle or tire size , the tire in your cart will be removed. Brake fluid is to your brakes what oil is to your engine.

When it gets low or contaminated, it can compromise your entire braking system. Our service experts will check your brake fluid for free and replace it with high-quality fluid if necessary.

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See Details. Schedule a Free Battery Check today. Save on 3-Year Alignment and Road Hazard programs when you buy 4 tires. Find Tires. Includes tires, alignment, brake, battery, and select fluid checks. The Bottom Line. If you are in a vehicle that is overheating, do not try to drive farther. Pull over, stop driving and turn the vehicle off. Actions can be taken to assess any issues, though the best course of action is to have the vehicle towed to your nearest Goodyear Auto Service.

What does a cooling system do? The overall cooling system keeps a standard operating temperature for the engine by circulating coolant, or antifreeze, through the engine to the radiator, thus pulling heat away from the engine. What happens when an engine overheats? Select Services. What to do if your vehicle begins overheating. Pull over and assess the situation. As soon as you notice an issue with your vehicle, the next course of action is to pull off the road to a safe and clear area and turn off the vehicle.

If the vehicle is overheating, continuing to drive with a potentially damaged engine may cause permanent damage. Keep moving only if necessary. If there is a situation where you are not able to come to a complete stop in a safe and clear area, keeping the vehicle slowly moving may still allow a constant airflow around the motor to help aid in natural cooling.

Leaving your car at rest with the engine running may worsen the problem, which can quickly produce additional and unwanted heat. An external leak will be evident just by looking under your car — this can happen at the water pump, engine freeze plugs, and heater core. Thermostats prevent engine wear, emissions, and deposits. Located in between the engine and the radiator, the thermostat blocks the coolant until the engine has warmed up to its operating temperature — this typically happens at about degrees Fahrenheit.

At that point, the thermostat opens and allows the antifreeze to reach the engine at the right time. If your thermostat is malfunctioning and displays a false reading i.

If this occurs continually, it can cause stalling and billows of smoke. It also helps keep the metals lubricated and picks up other damaging contaminants. If your car overheats, there are a few critical steps you can take to prevent the damage from getting worse. The best way to prevent this from happening is to ensure you keep up with your regular maintenance schedule. In addition to getting regular oil changes, choosing cooler oil can also contribute to greater longevity of the engine and other automotive systems.

Our experts will diagnose the issue and make sure you understand any necessary repairs or replacements.