5 steps to do if your car overheats

If your car overheats it can ruin your day. Nothing is worse than driving for your morning commute and seeing your Toyota car go up in a pile of smoke! This can be an absolute gut-wrenching feeling and can leave you anxious and worried about what might be wrong… and how much it’ll cost you! Luckily, our auto service technicians can help your car get back to pristine condition if your car overheats. And, Toyota of Clermont has some great tips on what to do if this happens to you! 

But first, let’s go over some signs you can look for before this happens to you or a costly auto repair happens!

• If you see steam coming from the hood of your car, then this is the number one telltale sign that something is up under your hood. 
• If your Clermont Toyota temperature gauge goes into the "H” or red section of the gauge, then you should pull over immediately. If you don’t, your car Toyota car might get real smokey. 
• Also, if you smell some odd odors coming from the hood, then you might have a Clermont Toyota car coolant leak. This will smell very sweet. However, if it’s an oil leak, it’ll smell like something is burning. 

When your car overheats

Step #1 Turn the heater on. 

Turning on your heater might seem like it would be the opposite thing that you would, but you should! By turning on the heater when your car overheats, it allows the air from the Clermont Toyota engine to go into the cabin (open those doors, too). If the warning light goes away, then you’ll know that you’re in the clear! 

Step #2 Pull over. 

Toyota of Clermont recommends pulling over if you notice some smoke coming from the hood. Our expert auto service technicians can diagnose and fix the problem for you! Just have a tow truck drop it off to us! 

Step #3 Be patient. 

When your car overheats, it’s best to stay patient and vigilant. Our dealership suggests waiting 15 minutes before opening the hood of your car. If you don’t wait the full 15 minutes, then hot steam could blast your face. Also, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then our Clermont Toyota auto service technicians can do this for you. 

Step #4 Add car coolant. 

Once you’ve waited 15 minutes and opened the hood, go ahead and put some gloves on and grab the radiator cap with a towel. You can combine a mixture of half water and half car coolant into there and seal it back up! Of course, our auto service technicians can do this for you, too! 

Step #5 Drive to a gas station. 

If your car overheats and if it’s still drivable, come on down to a gas station! 

Visit Toyota of Clermont today!

If your car overheats and you need an expert opinion, just talk with our Clermont Toyota auto service technicians! Just book an appointment at 16851 Statesville Road just off the Florida Turnpike!