Why Is My Car Overheating? The Most Common Reasons

An overheating car can cause many issues with your engine. You could find yourself stranded at the side of the road as you try to cool the engine down. At worst, your engine could be damaged causing costly repairs and ultimately require an engine replacement. You should keep a close eye on your car’s temperature gauge at all times, and take immediate action if the vehicle starts to run a little too hot. If you notice the temperature gauge rising, and you ask yourself, “Why is my car overheating?” you will normally find that the answer is one of the following.

Radiator/Fan Issues

Your radiator is the part of your car that cools the engine coolant as it passes through. If the radiator fails to do this properly, your engine will start to get too hot. When there is a radiator problem, check the fan. If the fan is not working properly, the radiator cannot lower the temperature of the coolant.

Water Pump Problems

If your radiator and fan are in working order, check your water pump next. The water pump controls the flow of coolant through the engine system. There are a number of reasons why this pump may stop working properly - erosion, contamination. Whatever the cause, if the pump stops working, the engine will overheat.

Low Coolant

Engine coolant consists of a 50:50 mix of water and antifreeze. If your car starts to run too hot, it could be because it is running low. It is always a good idea to check your coolant regularly and top up the levels if necessary. You should only need to replenish the antifreeze during your vehicle’s annual service. If the coolant is running low, it could mean that there is a leak somewhere in the various hoses that pass the coolant through the system, your radiator or water pump. A mechanic will need to do a thorough check on your vehicle, locate the leak and repair it.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the cooling system. If the car reaches a certain temperature, the thermostat will trigger the flow of coolant to bring the temperature down. If the thermostat is not working properly, it will not respond to the rising temperature of the engine, the coolant will not flow as it should, and the car will overheat. Regular checks and services will usually prevent thermostat problems from happening. If you notice rising temperatures, have a mechanic take a look at your thermostat and see if it is working.

If you experience any of these overheating issues, visit a professional auto repair shop as soon as possible. If you are a resident of Marietta, GA, come to Professional Automotive Repair on Lower Roswell Road and let us get your car running smoothly again.