Why Is My Car Overheating?

From having broken belts and hoses to contamination and even the wrong type of coolant fluid, there are many possible causes for your car's engine to overheat. Regardless of the reason, however, an overheating engine is a significant problem that needs to be addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. If your car is overheating, stop the vehicle as soon as it's safe to do so and contact a skilled repair technician for assistance.

Cooling System Leak

The cooling system is the primary system responsible for keeping your car's engine and its related components operating at the right temperature. Parts in the cooling system can break, usually as the car ages, which then causes leaks in the system. Even a small leak can become worse quickly, which can cause an initially minor problem to become a more significant issue.

Radiator Problems

Your car's engine is regularly subject to very hot operating temperatures, even independent of the temperature outside. The engine needs to be kept cool enough to work as it should, which is the radiator's role. The radiator works with fans to circulate coolant fluid and regulate the engine's temperature. Problems with the radiator and its associated fans can cause overheating.

Broken Water Pump

The water pump is designed to help pump coolant fluid through the car's cooling system. The water pump may develop several problems that keep it from working as it should, including erosion in the impeller vanes, leaks, and a water pump belt failure. The pump shaft can also shift and prevent the water pump from performing its duty.

Worn Belts and Hoses

Your vehicle contains a complex system of hoses and belts in the cooling system. The belts and hoses may wear out with age, which causes leaks and cracks, or they can break if the parts are damaged. The hoses can also get clogged with debris and contaminants such as dust and dirt, which keeps them from moving coolant fluid to cool the engine properly.

Thermostat Failure

Your car's engine has a thermostat, much like your home, which is a valve that controls coolant fluid flow into the radiator. The thermostat is designed to ensure that the proper amount of coolant fluid enters the radiator as necessary. Sufficient amounts of coolant fluid won't pass through if the thermostat is stuck, which then causes the engine to overheat.

If your car is experiencing problems with overheating, contact our mechanics for diagnostics and repairs today.