Are you worried your car’s engine might be overheating? If so, it’s best to act quickly to avoid getting into a serious car accident. Read on to learn about 5 common symptoms that indicate your auto concerns may be justified.

Temperature Gauge & Light

When a vehicle is running normally, the needle of the temperature gauge will remain in the black area. This signals that the car is at a normal temperature. However, if the needle is in the red zone, this indicates that your engine is overheating.

Because many people do not pay attention to their temperature gauge, the temperature light acts as a second warning when your engine is starting to overheat. If you see this light turn on, check to see where the needle of the temperature gauge is pointing. 

Steam is Coming Out of the Hood

One sign of an overheating engine is steam coming out of your vehicle. If your car’s radiator is malfunctioning and the coolant reaches the boiling point, steam will start to rise from the hood. 

You Smell Something Burning

Once an engine begins to overheat, many materials will start to burn. These include rubber, plastic, and metal. The smell of this burning will be very distinct and likely fill the entire passenger cabin of the vehicle.

A Ticking Sound is Coming from the Engine

Car engines rely on oil to provide a thin layer of protection between the moving parts. If this oil becomes too heated, it becomes the consistency of water and loses the ability to act as protection.

You See Coolant on the Ground

If you see coolant pooling beneath your car after you’ve parked it, this could be a sign that the engine is overheating. It could be caused by a leaky cooling system. Alternatively, the coolant has boiled within the cooling system and been released by the coolant overflow tank.