It’s a beautiful morning, and the roads are clear. You are about to turn out of your neighborhood when suddenly you notice smoke billowing from the hood of your car. That beautiful day just got ruined. An overheated car is a frustrating event. However, it’s an avoidable issue when you know the main reasons why this car calamity occurs in the first place. We’ll take a look at the top culprits that cause car overheating.
No coolant/coolant leaks
A simple equation. Too little or no coolant equals big trouble. Over time your coolant naturally will need to be refilled, but if you are running extremely low, there could be a leak. Keep your coolant levels filled to your car manufacturer’s recommendation and if you suspect a more pressing issue, get a professional’s opinion.
Bad thermostat
The thermostat has one job, to regulate the temperature of your engine. A bad thermostat can prevent coolant from flowing into your car's engine. If you suspect your thermostat is on its last legs, don’t delay either replace it yourself or schedule an appointment at a reputable garage.
Water pump failure
There is a device that pressurizes coolant so it can circulate throughout your car’s engine. The water pump. When a water pump fails there is no way for the coolant to reach its destination. This leads to overheating. If you notice coolant leaks, rust on the water pump itself, or rattling noises, your water pump may need to be replaced. When your car reaches between 60-90K miles, keep close tabs on the water pump.
Radiator problems
Your car’s radiator is tasked with making sure the coolant doesn’t get too hot. It pulls air over the coolant so the heat escapes safely outside. The fluid is then cool enough to do its job, keep your engine from overheating. So, it makes sense if you have a bad radiator, the coolant will be far too hot to cool down your engine.
One of the best ways to avoid any of these issues is to keep up with your car’s maintenance. Let us ensure your car is ready for the road. So, you can avoid headache-inducing issues like overheating engines.
