Driving & Driving Test Tips: able to drive, blown head gasket, temp sensor

Question
My car overheated last night, after apparently dumping most of the coolant the day before.  I had the heat on high, but the needle still went up, never hitting the red.  I've been advised to not drive it at all, but get it towed.  I live about 10 miles from where it's at.  Should I just tow it?

Answer
Was it still running OK on it's own when you shut it off?

If so, and there isn't anti-freeze dripping from the tailpipe (a sure sign of blown head gasket) then now that it is cool, fill the radiator and overflow bottle and see if it will start.  IF it starts and sounds normal, then see if it will move?

Check for leaks and if none, then you should be able to get home.

Lot of "IF"s there, but if it never got in the red zone, it might be OK.  But, also, if there wasn't much coolant in it, then the temp sensor wasn't seeing hot fluid, just gasses, and it can be off.

If in doubt, have it towed.

Don