Car Overheating? Causes and What To Do

8 April 2026 · 5 min read min read

Why Engines Overheat

Your engine relies on a constant flow of coolant to carry heat away and keep temperatures stable. Overheating happens when that flow is interrupted or the coolant itself is low — often from a leak, a failed component, or simply not being topped up over time.

The result is the same whatever the cause: temperatures inside the engine climb well beyond what it is designed for, and components like the cylinder head, pistons and head gasket start to suffer if the problem is not caught quickly.

What To Do Immediately

If your temperature gauge climbs into the red or you see steam from under the bonnet, pull over as soon as it is safe and switch the engine off. Do not open the bonnet straight away — pressurised coolant can be scalding hot. Give it time to cool down.

Do not keep driving to "get home" once the gauge is in the red. A few more minutes on a hot engine can turn a simple coolant top-up into a warped cylinder head or blown gasket. If you are unsure, call us and we can arrange recovery.

Coolant, Thermostat and Water Pump

The most common causes we see are a coolant leak from a hose, radiator or water pump seal, a thermostat stuck closed so coolant stops circulating, or a failing water pump that no longer moves coolant round the system properly.

Less commonly, a blocked radiator or a faulty cooling fan can also cause overheating, especially in slow-moving traffic. Each of these has a different fix, which is why a proper check is worth more than guesswork.

Preventing Overheating

Check your coolant level every few weeks when the engine is cold, and top up with the correct antifreeze mix rather than plain water. Keep an eye out for sweet-smelling steam, puddles under the car, or a temperature gauge that creeps up in traffic.

A full service at Millfields Auto Services in Bilston includes a check of coolant level, hoses and the cooling system, which catches most problems before they leave you stranded. Call us on 01902 492116 or book online if your car has been running hot.

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