Why Is My Car Overheating?

A car that's overheating can easily ruin your plans for a weekend getaway. It can also cause more serious damage to your vehicle and its major components, including the engine. Overheating can be due to several reasons, but it's essential to take action as quickly as possible to prevent further problems. While a certified mechanic should inspect your vehicle, you can also learn about some common causes of engine overheating in the meantime.

Cooling System Issues

No matter what kind of car you drive, it has a cooling system that works to keep the engine and its related components cool enough to run correctly. The cooling system is a complex network of components, which means that several parts can break, wear out, or develop cracks and leaks, such as the hoses and the radiator. Problems with the cooling system are usually the top cause of an overheating engine.

Water Pump

The water pump, which also plays a role in keeping the engine at the proper operating temperature, can be a source of your vehicle's overheating if it stops functioning correctly. The water pump must deliver coolant fluid to the engine and circulate coolant fluid throughout the cooling system. The coolant fluid can get trapped in the engine if the water pump stops functioning, which leads to the engine's overheating.

Radiator

The radiator works with a series of fans as part of the car's cooling system. The radiator also helps keep your vehicle's engine at the right temperature, which it achieves primarily by using fans. The fans and radiator are subject to contamination, causing them to get clogged with dirt and other debris. They may stop working as a result, which allows the engine to get too hot.

Thermostat Failure

The thermostat is a small valve that controls the engine's temperature. The thermostat is subject to breaking or wearing out, which means that it cannot adequately measure the engine's internal temperature. The thermostat also delivers coolant fluid to other parts of the car, which it cannot do if it breaks.

Worn and Broken Hoses and Belts

The cooling system contains several necessary hoses and belts, including the water pump belt. The hoses may become clogged with debris, which prevents fluid from flowing through the cooling system. The belts may slip or wear out, which prevents them from operating the cooling system.

Contact us today for service if your vehicle is having problems with its engine overheating.