Q: My car just started overheating

asked by on January 30, 2017

Tonight when I was driving my car I started noticing a burnt smell and loud noises coming from the front of the car. It had stopped for a while and then all of the sudden I heard a pop sound and my temperature gauge on the car starting raising to hot and the battery sign just appeared out of nowhere. I was able to make it home, but I noticed white smoke coming from under the hood. I think it may be a belt, but I am not sure which one. Can anyone tell me what this might be or at least sounds like?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Are Euro-Metric and P-Metric Tires Interchangeable?
When looking for tires, you may run into some confusion when you see words like euro-metric or p-metric (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/converting-euro-metric-and-p-metric-tire-sizes). With all of the other ratings on tires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/understanding-tire-service-descriptions-speed-rating-and-load-index), such as temperature, load, treadwear, and traction, adding these other terms into...
How do I know if I need engine mounts?
Greetings. Engine mounts are made of rubber that is designed to dampen vibration, in time the rubber will dry up and loose its ability to absorb vibrations. The vibration caused by a bad motor mount will increase gradually, so your...
Having problems accelerating at high speeds causing jerking feeling...this happens when slightly pushing gas pedal
This problem of a slight jerk feel is what is known as a lean tip in surge. The cause can be an indication that the engine is running lean and may be caused by dirty injectors, throttle body, air filter,...
No spark from distributor cap to spark plugs.
With the key in the On position you need to test it to see if you have power on one side of the coil (red wire). When you crank the engine, do you still have power? If you do not...
Gasoline smell
Hello there. Evaporative system leaks are not unusual. Many different faults can cause a fuel vapor leak and they can be notoriously hard to locate without specialty tools. Fuel vapor leaks that you can smell are usually smaller than the...
Load on truck's engine causes loud knocking noise
Hello. It sounds like there may be a problem with the piston or the valves in cylinder 5. Loose rod bearings to the piston can cause a knocking noise and/or a misfire condition (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection). A worn out piston can also...
Would like to put a 2JZ Twin Turbo motor in my 2013 Scion tc
Hi there. You'll be better served to contact a local speed shop that specializes in completing Scion performance upgrades to see whether or not this is possible and if they're able to offer suggestions and advice on how to complete...
Automatic gearbox shifting too quickly
Hi Brad, What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Have Kids
Once Once you have kids, the kind of car you have becomes very important. Suddenly, the amount of space, entertainment features, reliability, safety, and easy to clean interior become the top priorities. Here’s a list of vehicles meant to satisfy...
How to Get Ford Dealership Certified
Ford car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through either the ASSET or the FACT program.
The #1 Guide to Oil Change Coupon Codes (Updated 12/2020)
The most extensive guide for navigating oil change coupons and discounts.