Imagine this — you’re driving through New Jersey on a hot afternoon, music playing, windows down, when suddenly you notice smoke rising from under the hood. Your temperature gauge shoots up, and a red light flashes on your dashboard. Panic sets in when your car’s engine is overheating. What do you do next? An overheated engine can happen to anyone, whether you’re on a road trip or just running errands. While it’s stressful, knowing how to handle the situation calmly can save your engine and prevent costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know and do when your engine starts to overheat. Steps to Take When Your Engine Overheats Here are some important steps to follow when your engine starts to get too hot. 1. Pull Over Safely and Turn Off the Engine The first thing to do is to find a safe spot to pull over and switch off your engine immediately . Continuing to drive with an overheated engine can cause serious damage , such as a blown head gasket or ...