Redding is one of the hottest cities in California, and I-5 is one of the busiest corridors. If your engine temperature spikes near Redding, here's exactly what to do to avoid making it worse.
Why Overheating Happens More Around Redding
Redding consistently ranks as one of the hottest cities in California. Summer temperatures regularly hit 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and when you add a long I-5 grade, stop-and-go traffic near the downtown interchange, or an aging cooling system, you have a recipe for an overheated engine. It is not uncommon, and it happens to well-maintained vehicles too.
The stretch of I-5 from Red Bluff through Redding to Mount Shasta sees a significant number of overheating incidents every summer. If you're traveling through, knowing exactly what to do can prevent a manageable situation from becoming an engine replacement.
What to Do the Moment You See the Temperature Gauge Spike
Turn off the AC immediately
Air conditioning puts a significant load on the engine. Turning it off removes that strain instantly and can buy you a few minutes to get to safety.
Turn the heater on full blast
This sounds backward, but the heater pulls heat away from the engine and into the cabin. It's uncomfortable but it works, and it can prevent the engine from hitting critical temperature.
Get off the freeway at the first exit
On I-5 near Redding, exits come up regularly. Do not push it to a far exit. Redding proper has multiple off-ramps within a short distance of each other.
Pull over and turn the engine off
Once you're safely off the road, shut the engine off. Do not open the hood immediately — let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes before approaching the radiator.
Do not open the radiator cap
A hot radiator is under extreme pressure. Opening the cap can cause scalding coolant to spray out. Wait until everything is cool to the touch before touching the cap.
When to Call a Tow Instead of Waiting It Out
If the temperature gauge hit the red zone and stayed there, or if you saw steam or smoke coming from under the hood, the engine may have already sustained damage. Attempting to drive further risks making a repair bill much larger.
- Steam or smoke came from the engine compartment — call a tow
- The gauge hit the maximum and the engine cut out or misfired — call a tow
- You added coolant and it immediately overheated again — call a tow
- There's a visible coolant leak under the vehicle — call a tow
- The engine made knocking or grinding sounds during the overheat — call a tow
Getting Towed on I-5 Near Redding
Franks & Son covers the entire I-5 corridor through Shasta County, from Red Bluff in the south through Redding to the county line near Shasta Lake and beyond. When you call, have your mile marker ready. On I-5, the green mile marker signs on the right shoulder tell us exactly where to find you.
We run flatbed equipment for overheated vehicles whenever possible. If the engine is compromised, we want all four wheels off the ground for the tow to avoid putting any additional stress on a damaged drivetrain.
Overheated on I-5 Near Redding? Call Us Now.
We cover the full I-5 corridor through Shasta County and Tehama County, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Tell us your mile marker and we'll get to you.
(530) 604-9821 — always open.
Franks & Son Transportation
Redding, CA