What to do if your Radiator Overheats

Posted by CAM Staff Writer • February 4, 2010 • Printer-friendly

1). First, make sure your air conditioning is off. The A/C evaporator in located in front of the radiator and adds heat to the incoming air to the radiator.

2). Turn your heater to the highest setting and the blower to the highest setting. This will help the engine transfer the heat to the air.

3). Unless you are moving very little air reaches the radiator. If you are stuck in traffic, pull over and turn the vehicle off and open the hood.

4). Take a look at your over flow tank. If the overflow tank is empty you probably need coolant.

 5). Check the pressure of the system. Locate the radiator hoses and squeeze (warning the hoses are HOT so if you have a cloth use it to squeeze. If it is still under pressure it will not squeeze easily, wait till you can squeeze easily.

6). Use a cloth and put it over the radiator cap. Make sure to turn slowly in case it is still under pressure (serious burns can result) if in doubt wait! Till it cools of more.

7). If the coolant in the radiator is low, start the engine and add water or coolant slowly. This decreases the chance of cracking the block or causing major damage

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