Having your car overheat can feel stressful, especially if it catches you off guard while on a busy road. But knowing what causes it, how to respond in the moment, and how to prevent it can make all the difference. With the right preparation, you can keep yourself and your vehicle safe.
What causes a car to overheat?
Cars can overheat for several reasons. If you know what to look for, you’re more likely to catch issues early and avoid bigger problems down the road. Here are some of the most common causes:
Low coolant levels:
When there isn’t enough coolant, your engine can’t keep its temperature down.
Malfunctioning thermostat:
If the thermostat gets stuck, it can block the coolant flow.
Radiator problems:
Things like leaks, clogs, or a broken fan can keep your radiator from cooling properly.
Broken water pump:
If the water pump stops working, coolant can’t move through the engine.
Blocked hoses:
Dirt or buildup inside the hoses can keep the coolant from flowing as it should.
Running the air conditioning a lot
Heavy AC use, especially on hot days, puts extra stress on your engine.
Heavy traffic and lots of idling:
Being stuck in traffic or sitting with the engine running for long periods means less air reaches your radiator, increasing the risk of overheating.
What to do when your car overheats
If your car starts overheating, don’t panic. Gently steer your vehicle over to the shoulder or a breakdown lane, flip on your hazard lights, and turn off the engine. Give the car a chance to cool down before even thinking about popping the hood. While it’s always smart to reach out for roadside assistance or emergency help, here are key steps to keep in mind:
- Stay calm and focus on safety.
- Pull over to a safe spot.
- Turn on hazard lights.
- Turn off the engine.
- Wait for the engine to cool before opening the hood.
- Call for help if needed.
- Don’t keep driving until the issue is fixed.
How to stop your car from overheating
Staying ahead of car trouble starts with routine care so that you can address warning signs early. To keep things running smoothly, it helps to schedule regular visits with a certified mechanic, who can look out for common trouble spots such as:
Coolant levels
Ensure coolant is topped up and replaced as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
Inspection of hoses and belts
Check for wear, cracks, or leaks, and replace as necessary.
Inspection of the radiator and cooling system
Look for leaks, corrosion, or blockages that could impair cooling efficiency.
If your car overheats and you need roadside assistance, prioritize safety. Move into the breakdown lane or shoulder as quickly and safely as possible and immediately turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Once you are safe, call 911 to report your emergency and request roadside assistance. If you have AAA, contact them as well. On Massachusetts highways, MassDOT’s Highway Assistance Program, sponsored by Mapfre Insurance, is also available to help free of charge. The Highway Assistance Patrol operates Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with extended routes during holidays in heavy-traffic areas.
And if you find that your car needs maintenance beyond what you can handle on your own, Mapfre has made the process of finding repair shops in your area simple through our partnership with Openbay+, a marketplace for finding and booking car maintenance and vehicle repairs online at up to 25% savings. When customers use Openbay+, all services are guaranteed through Openbay+. *
We hope these tips help you avoid overheating on your road travels. Regular vehicle maintenance can prevent headaches later, and reviewing your auto policy ensures you have the right coverage for your needs. If you live in Massachusetts and aren’t insured with Mapfre, you can get a fast, free car insurance quote from an independent agent in your state.
*Program available to customers with the Mapfre Loyalty Rewards Program Endorsement CIC-2237 or CIC-2238 attached to a Mapfre policy, as indicated on your Declarations Page.
Terms and Conditions
By this offer, Mapfre U.S.A. Corp. and its insurance affiliates (collectively, “Mapfre”) provide you the opportunity to access the e-commerce marketplace for automotive repair and services provided by Openbay, Inc. (“Openbay”). Openbay is responsible for the operation and performance of any products and services associated with its e-commerce marketplace. Participation in the marketplace and use of any product and associated services will be subject to Openbay’s terms and conditions, which you should read before you access any product or service offered by Openbay.
Mapfre has no control or influence over the design or quality of the Openbay e-commerce marketplace, including any product or the services provided by, or on behalf of, Openbay. Mapfre assumes no responsibility or liability with respect to the performance or the actions of Openbay or its agents. If you have any questions or experience any difficulties regarding the product or any associated services, you must contact Openbay.
This offer (including these terms and conditions) DOES NOT change, in any way, the coverage provided by your Mapfre auto insurance policy. In the event of an auto related loss, whether or not involving the products or services offered by Openbay, the terms and conditions of your policy will determine the availability of insurance coverage.
This offer is being provided to you as a Mapfre insured. Mapfre may, in its sole discretion, terminate your ability to access the benefits provided by this offer at any time, including, without limitation, upon the termination of your Mapfre auto insurance policy.
