Why is my engine overheating? Answers from Des Moines' best auto repair
The gauge is climbing, your stomach drops, and you're hoping to make it to the next exit.
You're right to worry. An overheating engine can be damaged in minutes, so pull over, shut it off and call us.
Not safe to drive if you notice
- Temperature gauge in the red
- Steam from under the hood
- Gauge climbs again after cooling
Visit the shop
- 5875 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- 515-745-0934
Is it safe to drive when experiencing engine overheating?
No. Pull over when it is safe and turn the engine off. Do not open the radiator cap on a hot engine: the coolant is under pressure and can spray and burn.
Usually safe to drive
- The gauge has always read normal and you only notice a faint sweet smell once.
- The coolant reservoir looks a little low when the engine is cold, with no warning light.
- You see a few drops of coolant but the gauge stays normal.
Not safe to drive
- The temperature gauge is in the red or a warning light is on.
- Steam is coming from under the hood.
- The gauge climbs again quickly after the engine cooled.
- White smoke comes from the exhaust or coolant keeps disappearing.
- The heater suddenly blows cold while the gauge climbs.
Not safe to drive? Stop and call us now.
Pull over somewhere safe and call Joey's Auto Shop at 515-745-0934. We'll help you figure out your next step.
Why an engine overheats
An engine overheats when coolant is low, not moving, or not shedding heat.
Leaking hose or radiator
Low coolant from a leak in a hose, the radiator, or the water pump is a common cause.
You need Radiator Hose ReplacementFailing water pump
A water pump that is not moving coolant lets the engine heat up fast.
You need Water Pump ReplacementStuck thermostat
A thermostat that will not open keeps coolant from reaching the radiator.
You need Cooling System RepairBad radiator cap
A cap that cannot hold pressure lets coolant boil and escape.
You need Radiator Cap ReplacementOld, worn-out coolant
Coolant wears out over time and stops protecting the system.
You need CoolantHead gasket leak
A head gasket leak often shows up as white exhaust smoke, or coolant loss with no visible leak.
You need Head Gasket Repair
What you can check first
A few things you can notice safely. Never open the radiator or coolant cap.
Watch the temperature gauge and note when it climbs.
Look under the car for green, orange, or pink drips.
With the engine cold, look at the coolant reservoir level without opening it.
Notice a sweet smell inside or outside the car.
Note any white smoke from the tailpipe.
Ready for a cool-running engine again?
Call Joey's Auto Shop, a Des Moines People's Choice Winner 2022 through 2026, or make an appointment and tell us what's going on.
We find the cause, not only the symptom
The fix can be a new cap or hose, or as big as a head gasket repair. The shop tests first to find where the heat or the coolant is going.
- Step 1
We test
The shop pressure tests the cooling system for leaks, checks the thermostat, water pump, fan, and hoses, and tests for a head gasket leak.
- Step 2
We show you
You get a digital inspection with photos and notes in plain language, so you see what we see.
- Step 3
You decide
Nothing starts until you approve it, and we confirm the fix before you pick up your car.
What should I do if my engine starts to overheat?
Pull over when it is safe and turn the engine off. Do not open the radiator cap on a hot engine. The coolant is under pressure and can spray and burn you. Let the engine cool completely. If the gauge climbs again quickly once you restart, do not keep driving. Call for help or have the car towed.
Why is it bad to keep driving an overheating engine?
Running an engine hot can warp the cylinder head and damage the head gasket. Those repairs cost far more than the hose, cap, or thermostat that often started the problem. Overheating is one of the fastest ways to turn a small repair into major engine damage, so stopping early protects the engine.
Is it okay to just keep adding coolant?
Topping off coolant may get you home, but if it keeps disappearing, it is going somewhere. It may be dripping from a hose, the radiator, or the water pump. If there is no visible leak, it may be leaking inside the engine through the head gasket, often with white exhaust smoke. Finding the leak is the only way to stop it.
What does a sweet smell from my car mean?
A sweet, syrupy smell is often leaking coolant. You may notice it near the front of the car, through the vents, or after you park. Coolant is usually green, orange, or pink. Even a small leak can lead to overheating, so a sweet smell is worth a check soon, and right away if the temperature gauge rises.
Other symptoms we can help with
See All Symptoms
Fluid Leaking Under Your Car
A spot on the driveway can be oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or just water. The color helps tell them apart.
Learn More
A/C Blowing Warm Air
Your air conditioning runs but the air is warm, weak, or only cool some of the time.
Learn More
Running hot?Let's cool it down.
Make an appointment and tell us what's going on. We explain your options before any work begins.