You’re driving, you see the temperature gauge going up, and you start to panic. This is sound familiar? An overheated engine can be foreseen, but it can also be unexpected. That is because there are several reasons that can cause a car engine to overheat. But overall, the reason why a car engine overheats is because something has obstructed that the cooling system’s ability to absorb, transfer, and dispel heat. Continue reading for a closer look at the common causes of overheating car engines.
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⚙ Improper Coolant
The most common reason a car overheats is because it is out of coolant! If you use the improper coolant concentration in your vehicle, you can definitely expect it to overheat at some point. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for proper cooling operation. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn the proper coolant concentration recommended for your make and model car or truck. If you don’t have your owners’ manual, look online for a replacement copy. You can download one for free by visiting your vehicle’s manufacturer website.
⚙ Cooling System Leaks
If your cooling system has only, it will also cause your car to overheat. Common spots for leaks include hoses, radiator, thermostat housing, head gasket, heater core, water pump, cylinder heads and block, automatic transmission oil cooler, and freeze plugs.
⚙ Obstructed Coolant Lines
When the flow of radiator fluid is obstructed, it can’t do its job. Things like rust, sediment, and dirt can block cooling system lines entirely, or decrease their flow. This of course eliminates the vehicle’s ability to control the temperature of the engine. The solution to this problem would be a routine coolant flush and fill.
⚙ Faulty Thermostat
If your car has a bad thermostat, it can prevent the flow of coolant. The thermostat is a heat-sensitive valve that opens and closes in response to the temperature of the engine. If it gets stuck in the closed position, the cooling is blocked from passing through and doing its job.
⚙ Defective Radiator
When a radiator is not working properly, it can also cause a car engine to the heat. That is because the radiator is where coolant temperature is reduced. When the radiator is defective, and cannot cool down the fluid, thus causing the engine to get too hot. Leaks and clock for the most common radiator problems.
Additional Causes:
➙ Faulty Water Pump
➙ Loose Fan Belt
➙ Broken Fan Belt
➙ Defective Radiator Fan
➙ Worn Hoses
➙ Burst Hoses
➙ Low Coolant
Unexpected Car Engine Troubles?
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