Why Is My Car Overheating?

The thought of your engine overheating probably fills you with dread. There are many reasons that this can happen, and none of them are good. If you notice that your engine is overheating, the best thing to do is pull over and call for assistance. Getting the problem diagnosed right away can help save you time and money. Our team would like to share a few of the more common reasons that engines overheat.

Thermostat Failure

Not everyone realizes that their radiator has a valve known as the thermostat that regulates the flow of coolant. When the thermostat malfunctions, it may get stuck closed, preventing any fluid from entering the radiator. As you can imagine, this heats the engine pretty quickly.

Cooling System Leak

A complicated system works hard underneath your vehicle's hood to keep things cool enough to work correctly. Due to the number of parts involved in the system, many things can go wrong. A leak somewhere in the system reduces the amount of coolant your radiator has to work with, potentially causing significant damage to your vehicle.

Worn Out Hoses or Belts

Even vehicles that are regularly maintained can have a hose or belt break or weaken on them. Water pump belts can wear out, causing your engine to overheat. Any problem underneath the hood that makes your engine work harder can also make it heat up.

Radiator Problems

Sometimes, the radiator itself is the problem. The radiator's job is to keep the coolant at the right temperature, which keeps the engine cool enough to operate. As a result, it is easy to see how radiator problems quickly turn into engine problems.

Water Pump Issue

Like any water pump, the one underneath your vehicle's hood needs to create the right amount of pressure. If it is not, your cooling system may not be getting enough fluid to work correctly.

A comprehensive inspection of your vehicle can help uncover the reasons that your engine is overheating. We employ a team of experts who can help you identify the problem and then solve it. Contact us today.