Reasons for Car Overheating
Reasons for Car Overheating
Posted on July 6, 2023
Reasons for Car Overheating
General Car Maintenance
General car maintenance is essential to extend the life of your vehicle. Things such as checking fluid levels, tire pressure, filter cleanness, or just listening to your car can give you worry-free driving for years to come.
Too Little or no Coolant
If your engine has little or no coolant, it will not work as effectively, causing its temperature to rise. It is always a good idea to check your coolant level and top it up with a 50/50 mix coolant/water if needed.
Cooling System Leaks
If you ever see a puddle or wet spots under the car near the front and the coolant reservoir is empty, that could mean a possible leak in your cooling system. Depending on the manufacturer, the coolant colour can be green, blue, or orange and give off a sweet smell when hot.
A Broken Water Pump
A water pump circulates the coolant through the engine, and if for any reason it is seized or jammed up with debris from the coolant, it can stop working, causing an overheating situation.
Radiator Issues
Radiators are an integral part of the cooling system as they help reduce the heat coming from the engine. If there is a leak in the radiator, the fans attached to the radiator are not functioning correctly, or damaged radiator fins will cause engine temperature to rise.
Oil too Low
Low oil levels can also contribute to overheating because it is the oil’s job to assist the coolant in helping to control the temperatures, so if there is not enough oil circulating through the engine, that could cause a rise in temperatures.
Thermostat Failure
A thermostat in a vehicle regulates engine temperature and the amount of coolant directed to the engine. It opens to let coolant in and closes to keep coolant out. A failed thermostat may interrupt the proper flow of coolant and contribute to excessive engine heat.
Issues with Belts and Hoses
Hoses and belts are an integral part of the cooling system as they keep the flow of coolant and air continuous. If belts are frayed or cracked and hoses are old, brittle, or ruptured, the cooling flow can get interrupted, causing leaks and overheating issues.
Heater Core Plugged up
A heater core is another vital part of the cooling system as it keeps the flow moving and acts as a heat exchanger. If for any reason it gets plugged up with debris, it can comprise the flow contributing to overheating an engine.
Tips to Prevent a Car from Overheating
If you want to avoid being stranded on the side of the road and not having to pay costly bills, then follow these simple tips to prevent your car from overheating.
- A quick check of your coolant reservoir, radiator, and hoses attached to it once a month
- Constantly monitor your engine temperature while driving, whether it is hot or cold outside.
- Follow the maintenance schedule for oil changes, coolant flushes, and belt/hose replacement.
- Always keep an extra bottle of coolant and water in your vehicle for those uncertain times.
- When it is sweltering outside, avoid running your A/C system continuously.
- If your car does start to overheat, run the interior temperature on the hottest setting to cool the engine down and stop driving as soon as possible.