Why Is My Car Overheating?
The quick response to why a car overheats is that there is an issue within the cooling system. This series of parts moves coolant throughout the engine to the radiator, where the heat disperses. It allows the engine to operate efficiently without overheating.
Parts of the Cooling System
While the details may change from engine to engine, especially for older and antique cars, most engine cooling systems operate on a similar premise.
The engine block itself is cast with a series of chambers and channels that allow coolant to flow and circulate around the combustion chambers, absorbing the heat created as the engine fires. This coolant is carried away through hoses to the radiator. Here the heated coolant travels through a series of much smaller tubes while a fan pulls cool air through openings, and the coolant loses heat as it travels.
The coolant is then recycled back through the process and continues through more hoses. The amount of coolant circulated is controlled directly by a thermostat that constantly monitors the current engine temperature and a pump that pushes the coolant through the system.
Most Common Issues
Any one of the cooling system components failing can lead to the engine overheating. Here are the most common issues most motorists will run into over the lifetime of a vehicle:
- Incorrect Coolant: Every engine requires a specific coolant-to-water mix to operate correctly, and the temperature outside affects this. One common issue is an incorrect ratio for the driving conditions, so if there has been a drastic temperature shift outside and inside the engine, check that the coolant added last is rated for the current conditions.
- Leaks: The cooling system relies on several hoses, connections, and gaskets, which are all subject to wear and failure. Leaks not only reduce coolant levels but affect pump efficacy. Leaks in the system around hoses are easy to spot and fix.
- Sediment: If you are sure the coolant is correct and can’t find any leaks, the next possible issue is a blocked hose. Over time bits of sediment can make it into the system, which build up and create blockages that impede efficient cooling. In this case, the system needs to be flushed.
- Radiator Issues: If the radiator becomes clogged, the fan breaks, or if the volume of coolant flow is reduced due to leaks, then the automobile is prone to overheat. You’ll need a mechanic to help diagnose and repair radiator concerns.
- Water Pump Problems: The water pump can also be a source of leaks or breakage. When the pump has problems, the coolant slows down or stops circulating altogether, causing quick overheating. You will likely need a mechanic to help fix pump issues.
Any one of these issues will cause the engine to overheat. It is essential to stop or limit driving as much as possible until the cooling system is fixed. Overheating can cause a cascade of broken parts as components are subject to too much heat and begin to fail and break under the strain.
What to Do if Your Engine Overheats
If you are driving and notice the heat gauge start punching into red, notice any strange smells coming from the engine compartment, or see smoke, you need to take action quickly.
Pull over as soon as you feel it is safe to do so and call for assistance. Do not open the hood of a car that has overheated for at least half an hour. Engines run hot under normal circumstances, but if one has overheated, it is even more dangerous. Wait until the engine temperature reads cool again before popping the hood, and be careful if you mess with hoses or touch components.
There are always situations where you can’t pull over immediately or need to move the vehicle. You can boost the natural air cooling of the engine by turning on the heat to full blast and opening your windows.
Heating systems run efficiently by siphoning excess heat out of the cooling system before it hits the radiator. Turning up your heat may leave you uncomfortable, but it will draw off some extra heat from the engine. It is not a long-term solution, but it may help get you to a mechanic or safe spot instead of being stranded on the side of a highway.
Preventative Maintenance
Just like most engine problems, a little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way to keeping yourself on the move and not having to pay for expensive repairs. You should always keep an eye on the temperature gauge and watch for puddles under the vehicle that may indicate leaks so that you can handle issues quickly.
Stay on top of check-ups for your vehicle and get the coolant system flushed and refilled regularly. For most engines, we recommend every 30,000 miles or five years. But you should check your vehicle's owner manual for more specific details on expected coolant system longevity.
And our best tip to be prepared in case of a failure while on the road, keep a bottle of antifreeze and water in your trunk.
Radiator Services in Goldsboro
If it has been a while since you thought about your car's cooling system or think you may have an engine beginning to overheat, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a check-up.
For drivers in the Goldsboro area, you will not find more experience and expertise than Retro Lube Oil Change. We have been helping car owners protect their vehicles through routine maintenance practices for many years. Don’t let the name fool you; we are more than just oil change experts. Our services include:
- Fuel Injection Cleaning
- Oil & Filter Changes
- Brake Servicing
- Radiator Fluid Flushing
- Transmission Fluid Flushing
- Tire Rotations
- NC Inspections
You can give us a call to set up an appointment or bring your car by the shop today for our maintenance fluid flushing services. We will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.