This article was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated.
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Engines can overheat for a variety of reasons, and it can be pretty alarming when they do. Here’s what you need to know if you’re ever stuck on the side of the road with a steamy and smoky bonnet.
Here in Australia, we’re no stranger to hot weather, and scorching temperatures can be a common cause of overheating. But it’s not the only one. A temperature gauge rising in the red can also point to low coolant levels from a possible leak, engine oil issues, a broken thermostat and more. While every situation and car can be unique, there are a few common signs to be mindful of when your car engine is beginning to overheat:
A warning light turns on in your dashboard or the temperature gauge notifies you it’s reaching the maximum level.
Steam coming from the front of the vehicle under the hood. This often looks like and is mistaken for smoke.
Strange odours coming from the front of the car, mainly near the hood.
A loud ticking noise being caused from a lack of oil lubricating your engine’s parts.
Leaking coolant on the ground from a leak in your cooling system.
In severe cases the damage caused to your car’s engine by overheating can be catastrophic and may even require a complete overhaul or replacement of the engine if the problem isn’t caught in time.
If you find yourself in the driver’s seat and your temperature indicator is rise into the red zone or the “Check Engine” or “Temperature” warning light flashes, don't ignore the warning signs. As we mentioned before, the build-up of heat and pressure can cause serious damage to your car, but it has the potential to cause you injury too.
Find a safe spot to stop and pull over as soon as you can.
Let the engine cool and don’t open the bonnet or remove the radiator cap.
Call NRMA Roadside Assistance for help. If you’re a motorist in NSW, you can also use the mynrma app.
If your car can’t be fixed by roadside assistance, it’s likely that the engine has been damaged, and it will need to be towed to a service centre.
The best way to avoid things going wrong with your car is to ensure you keep up with regular service checks. Trained mechanics know what to look out for and help identify issues before they get worse.
All content on the NRMA Insurance Blog is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute and is not intended to be professional advice.
