Few things are more stressful than seeing steam billow out from under your hood on a hot Kansas City day. If your car starts overheating, it’s important to stay calm, act quickly, and know what steps to take to protect your engine.
At Brookside “66” Service, we’ve helped generations of Kansas City drivers navigate unexpected car troubles, and we’re here to help you too. In this article, we’ll explain the common reasons why cars overheat, and we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if you see that scary smoke so you can stay safe and avoid bigger repairs.
If you need expert help right away, you can always call Brookside 66 Service or visit www.brookside66.com for trusted local support.
Why Do Cars Overheat?
Your car’s engine creates a lot of heat when it runs. Normally, your cooling system—made up of the radiator, coolant, thermostat, and fans—keeps everything at the right temperature. But when something goes wrong, heat builds up faster than your car can cool down.
Here are the most common reasons cars overheat:
Low Coolant Levels: Coolant (also called antifreeze) circulates through the engine to absorb heat. If levels are too low due to leaks or evaporation, the engine can’t cool properly.
Radiator Problems: A clogged, leaking, or broken radiator won’t be able to do its job of pulling heat away from the engine.
Thermostat Failure: If the thermostat gets stuck closed, it prevents coolant from flowing through the engine, causing overheating fast.
Broken Water Pump: The water pump moves coolant through the engine. If it fails, coolant can’t circulate, and temperatures spike.
Cooling Fan Issues: Electric or belt-driven cooling fans help lower radiator temperatures. If they fail, especially on hot days or in heavy traffic, overheating can happen.
Even things like a stuck heater core or blocked hoses can throw your cooling system off balance. Regular maintenance, like the kind we offer here at Brookside “66” Service, helps catch these issues early before they leave you stranded.
What to Do If Your Car Starts Overheating
Seeing smoke or a rising temperature gauge can be scary, but the worst thing you can do is panic. Follow these steps to handle the situation safely and protect your engine.
1. Turn Off the Air Conditioning and Turn On the Heat
It might sound strange, but turning on your heater pulls extra heat away from the engine. Crank the heat to full blast and open your windows to stay as comfortable as possible.
This simple move can sometimes stabilize the temperature long enough to get you to a safer place.
2. Find a Safe Place to Pull Over
If your temperature gauge keeps rising or you see steam, pull over as soon as it’s safe. Choose a wide shoulder, a parking lot, or a rest area if possible. Continuing to drive a severely overheating car can cause permanent engine damage, and that’s a much bigger repair than stopping early.
3. Turn Off the Engine and Wait
Once you’re parked, turn off the engine and let the car cool down. Never open the hood immediately—the coolant could still be boiling, and you risk getting burned.
Wait at least 15-30 minutes for things to cool. In the meantime, call Brookside 66 Service for advice on what to do next.
4. Check Coolant Levels (If Safe)
After the engine has cooled completely, you can carefully check your coolant levels. If they’re low and you have extra coolant or water in the car, topping off the reservoir might help you get safely to a repair shop.
However, if you see large puddles under the car or if the coolant keeps disappearing, it’s best to call for a tow. Our team at Brookside 66 Service can inspect and repair your cooling system properly so you don’t end up stuck again.
5. Get Your Vehicle Inspected
Even if topping off the coolant seems to “fix” the problem, it’s important to have your cooling system inspected. An overheating engine often points to bigger underlying issues.
At Brookside “66” Service, we’ll perform a full cooling system check, including your radiator, thermostat, fans, and water pump, to make sure you’re truly road-ready again.
Staying Ahead of Overheating Problems
The best way to avoid a stressful overheating situation is through regular maintenance. Keeping an eye on fluid levels, checking hoses for leaks, and servicing your radiator and cooling system can make all the difference.
Our family here at Brookside “66” Service has been helping Kansas City drivers with honest, reliable maintenance for decades. If your car feels a little “off” or if it’s been a while since your last checkup, we’d love to take a look.
You can call us anytime or visit www.brookside66.com to schedule an appointment. We’re here to keep you safe on the road—no matter what the Kansas City summer throws your way.
Conclusion: Don’t Panic—Brookside “66” Service Has Your Back
Overheating is stressful, but now you know what to do if it happens. Stay calm, pull over safely, let the car cool down, and call a trusted shop like Brookside “66” Service for help.
Our team is ready to help you get back on the road with honest advice and expert repairs. Visit www.brookside66.com or call us today if you need assistance—or if you just want savings and peace of mind before your next drive.