An overheating car is usually an indication of engine trouble. Oftentimes, there can be a number of internal issues at fault. If you are a new driver, an overheating car can be a very flustering situation. What is the cause of the problem? How can your resolve it safely? Meyer’s Automotive is dedicated to helping novice motorists drive safely. For information about how to handle an overheating car, look no further than our blog.
Overheating Car: The Causes and Solutions
The Radiator
When it comes to an overheating car, there can be a number of radiator-related issues at fault. To truly fix the issue, it is crucial that you understand which issue is actually occurring. In older cars, an overheating vehicle can be the result of something as simple as a bad radiator cap. An easy way to diagnose this issue is to look for excess liquid pooled around the cap. If you see a lot, you will need to visit an auto shop and get the cap replaced as soon as possible.
Another radiator issue is a clog. If you have an older car, oxidation and other gunk sometimes accumulates, clogging your radiator. The result? An overheating car. Sometimes, flushing your radiator will resolve the issue, but if the damage is too extensive, you may need to replace the entire radiator.
The last radiator issue might be a malfunctioning cooling fan. When you turn on the air conditioning, your car’s cooling fan should kick on a few moments later. If this doesn’t happen, you will need to have the radiator’s cooling fan fixed or replaced. Occasionally there is an electrical glitch preventing the proper function of this key component, so you may want to have a professional assess the situation.
Water Pump
The water pump plays a crucial role in the cooling of your car’s engine. Without it properly functioning, you are sure to face some problems. If you water pump is getting old, you will likely hear an ear-piercing sound before it fails. Failure can lead to an overheating car, so you will want to get this issue fixed sooner than later. A leak in the water pump can also create complications. If your car is facing any of these problems, seek auto repair immediately.
Thermostat
Your car’s thermostat serves to indicate the internal temperature of your vehicle’s engine. When it is functioning properly, the thermostat gives warnings of potential overheating. Sometimes, however, this component can become trapped inside of the cooling system, preventing the movement of antifreeze. Eventually, this will result in an overheating car — something no driver wants! If this is the case, you will want to have this block removed as soon as possible.
Coolant
A lack of coolant is perhaps one of the most common reasons for an overheating car. Warm temperatures can cause the evaporation of liquid, resulting in too little coolant. If your car begins steaming under the hood on a hot afternoon, pull over and let the engine cool. Then, check your coolant levels and replenish the coolant reservoir need be.
When it comes to an overheating car, there could be a number of causes at fault. Ignoring these issues is detrimental to the condition of your car, so whether you are suffering from radiator trouble or a stuck thermostat, it is important that you resolve the issue quickly.
To learn how we can help repair an overheating car, contact Meyer’s Automotive today.