Why is my engine overheating? - Elite Auto Experts

An overheating car can lead to serious engine damage, so it's important to recognize the signs early.

Steam or smoke coming from under the hood

The temperature warning light on the dashboard is on

If you notice a sweet smell, it could be coolant leaking into hot engine components

If you suspect that your car is overheating, it's crucial to address the issue immediately. Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can lead to severe engine damage. Here we will give you a guide on what to do (and not do) when your car is overheated.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS

Turn off the engine to allow it to cool down

After turning off the engine, open the hood to allow heat to escape more rapidly

Safely pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS

Do Not Continue Driving: Continued driving can cause severe damage to the engine

Do Not Pour Cold Water on a Hot Engine: Pouring cold water on a hot engine can cause thermal shock and potentially crack the engine block

Wait for the engine to cool down before opening the radiator cap: This can take at least 15 to 30 minutes.

HOW TO PREVENT AN OVERHEATED CAR ENGINE

To prevent an overheated car engine, do regular car maintenance, including timely oil changes and coolant flushes. Check and maintain proper coolant levels, inspect the radiator, hoses, and water pump for damage, and ensure the radiator fan functions correctly. Keep the radiator clean from debris, monitor the temperature gauge, and avoid aggressive driving. Regularly assess the serpentine belt and address warning lights promptly. Choose a high-quality coolant, adhere to recommended load capacities, and monitor the exhaust system.

If you think some of these things are wrong with your vehicle. Don't hesitate to contact us and schedule your next maintenance appointment by calling us at (832) 674-4149 or through our website www.eliteautoexperts.com

< Older Post

Newer Post >

How to Choose The Best Repair Shop For Your Fleet Vehicle Needs

November 28, 2025

Elite Auto Experts in Houston, TX, shares tips for finding a dependable repair shop to keep your fleet vehicles on the road and in good shape.

Thanksgiving Road Trip? Don’t Skip This Vehicle Check-Up

November 25, 2025

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and long drives. Whether you're heading across Texas to visit loved ones or just going out of town for the weekend, your car needs to be ready for the road—because the only thing that should break down this holiday is the turkey, not your vehicle.

Engine Feels Like It's Moving Too Much? It Might Be the Mounts

October 31, 2025

Elite Auto Experts in Houston, TX, shares how excess engine movement may point to broken mounts and what symptoms to watch for.

Your Car Has Needs Too: Why Maintenance is Self-Care for Your Ride

October 24, 2025

We get it—life’s busy. Between work, family, and errands, it’s easy to ignore that little dashboard light or the weird sound your car makes when you turn the wheel. But here’s the thing: your car is talking to you—and regular maintenance is how you listen. Think of your vehicle like a co-worker who never calls in sick. It’s there every morning, ready to go. But if you don’t take care of it? One day it might just say, “Nope, not today,” and leave you stranded. And let’s be real: there’s no such thing as a convenient breakdown.

The Most Skipped Car Service (That’s Slowly Killing Your Engine)

October 16, 2025

Why Most Drivers Miss Oil Changes, and How to Fix It Imagine this: you go in for a quick errand, just 20 minutes. You hop back in the car, and suddenly that little oil light flicks on. “I’ll get to it next week,” you think. Then next week turns into next month. Sound familiar? Oil changes are the most skipped maintenance service in the U.S.—and they’re also the most important. In fact, 87% of drivers delay their oil changes past the recommended interval , risking thousands in engine repairs without even realizing it. Let’s break down why this happens—and how to stop the cycle before your engine pays the price.

Hybrid Maintenance Isn’t Complicated—It’s Just Different

October 3, 2025

Hybrid vehicles are growing in popularity—and for good reason. They offer fuel efficiency , eco-friendliness , and cutting-edge technology . But when it comes to maintenance, many drivers are unsure what’s needed and when. Let’s clear that up.

Your Car’s Secret Lifeline: What Fluids Really Say About Your Vehicle

September 29, 2025

Imagine if your car could talk. What would it say? Probably something like: “Help! My coolant’s cooking, my transmission fluid’s toast, and my brake fluid’s feeling neglected.” Your car can’t speak—but its fluids do. You just need to know how to listen. Welcome to the overlooked world of automotive fluid diagnostics, where color, smell, and texture can tell stories about your vehicle’s health. If you're driving around Houston, battling heat, traffic, and the occasional pothole, this matters a lot.

The Problem with Cheap Brake Pads and Why You Should Avoid Them

September 26, 2025

Elite Auto Experts in Houston, TX, explains why choosing cheap brake pads can compromise braking safety and cost more in the long run.

Tune-Ups Aren’t Just for Old Cars: Why It’s a Smart Move for Every Vehicle

September 23, 2025

When most people hear the word tune-up, they imagine an outdated service for older vehicles—something your grandpa’s mechanic did every 10,000 miles. But here’s the truth: tune-ups are not a thing of the past. They’ve simply evolved. In today’s high-tech vehicles, regular tune-ups are smarter, more precise, and more important than ever.

Beyond the Dent—What Collision Repair Is Really About

September 18, 2025

After an accident, most people rush to fix the visible damage—scratched paint, a bent fender, maybe a broken headlight. But the truth is, collision repair goes far beyond the surface. It’s not just about making your car look good again—it’s about restoring safety, performance, and long-term value. At Elite Auto Experts, we believe that understanding the process helps customers feel more in control after the unexpected happens.