1. Pull over safely
As soon as the temperature warning comes on or the gauge moves into the red, turn on your hazard lights and move to the shoulder, a side road or a car park. Driving on with an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head, a repair that costs far more than a tow.
2. Switch off the engine
Turn the engine off. Open the bonnet only if there is no steam or smoke coming from it. If there is, keep away until it stops.
3. Never open the radiator cap while it is hot
The coolant is under pressure and can be above boiling point. Opening the cap on a hot engine can spray scalding liquid. Wait at least 30 minutes, until the top hose feels cool to the touch.
4. Check the coolant when the engine is cool
Look at the coolant reservoir. If it is low, top it up with coolant, or with water only as a short-term fix to reach a garage. If the level drops again quickly, there is a leak.
When to call a recovery truck
- The warning light comes back on soon after you set off
- You see steam, or coolant dripping under the car
- There is a sweet smell, white smoke from the exhaust, or oil that looks milky
- You are on a highway and can’t stop somewhere safe to wait
In any of these cases, don’t risk the engine. We load the car on a flatbed and take it to your mechanic. See breakdown recovery in Ajman, or call 050 36 36 276.
Why cars overheat so often in the UAE
High summer temperatures, slow traffic with little air flowing through the radiator, and air-conditioning running at full power all add load to the cooling system. Old coolant, a weak radiator fan or a small leak that goes unnoticed in winter often shows up for the first time in July.
How to prevent it
- Check the coolant level every few weeks in summer, with the engine cold
- Replace the coolant at the interval in your car’s service book
- Have the radiator fan and hoses checked before summer
- Watch the temperature gauge in heavy traffic