The many moving parts inside your car rely on coolant and lubricant to keep the engine from overheating. If it starts to get too hot, the pistons expand and seize, leading to expensive car repairs like cracked cylinder heads or a broken engine block. To avoid these issues, learn to identify the signs of overheating below.

How to Tell If Your Car Is Overheating

1. Temperature Gauge

If your car’s thermostat is working correctly, the temperature gauge should indicate when temperatures are rising in the engine. In newer models, your car may also flash a warning light when your engine is getting too hot. However, you should also know other signs of overheating in case of a thermostat malfunction.

2. Leaking Coolant

This is one of the first signs that your car is at risk of overheating. Coolant is usually bright green, red, or yellow, so it’s easy to distinguish it from oil or transmission fluid. While your car may not overheat right away, lower coolant levels do increase the chances of overheating. Keep a close eye on coolant levels and refill when necessary until you can get car repairs.

3. Steam From the Hood

You may mistake it for smoke at first, but the steam coming from under your hood is caused by boiling coolant, which builds up pressure inside the coolant system. When the pressure becomes too much, steam escapes through the radiator cap and pours from the hood. If this happens, pull over immediately and have your vehicle towed for car repairs.

For help with a car that’s overheating, visit Cabarrus Import Service in Concord, NC. For over 24 years, they’ve specialized in working on imported cars like Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans. For everything from routine maintenance to comprehensive transmission work and electrical repairs, schedule a car repair appointment by calling (704) 793-4122. To learn about their full range of services, visit them online.