An overheated car is more than just a nuisance, it can also cause serious damage to your vehicle and pose as a safety risk if left unchecked. Here are some of the most common reasons why cars overheat and how you can avoid them.
Your car’s thermostat regulates the temperature of your engine by controlling the flow of coolant it receives. If the thermostat becomes stuck, coolant won’t be able to reach in your engine and you run the risk of overheating it.
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 expect it to overheat at some point. It is important to have the proper water-to-coolant ratio for optimal operation.
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.
If your cooling system has an issue, 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.
If your vehicle overheats, the first thing you should do is slow down and find a place to stop. Call for roadside assistance and get your car to safety. You should have a professional check your cooling system for leaks, especially if this is a recurring event. Every now and then a car will become low on coolant and overheat to let you know. This is "normal" but if it happens a lot you definitely have a leak somewhere.
Tire Country can run a coolant check, as well as look for leaks, rust, and other issues that can lead to your vehicle overheating. Contact us today to have a maintenance check so you can stay on the road safely.
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