Why Is My Car Overheating?

An overheating engine can put the brakes on any outing, whether you're driving around town doing errands or setting out on a summer road trip. Your engine can overheat for various reasons, and it’s important to pull over to the side of the road and call for assistance when it does. Here are some common issues that can lead to overheating.

Cooling System Leak

A leak in the cooling system could be the main cause of a vehicle overheating. The cooling system is complex, with many different parts that can break and cause problems. Even a small crack or leak in the system can easily turn into a more significant problem that results in damage to your vehicle and more costly repairs.

Bad Water Pump

Problems with your car's water pump can also cause overheating. If the water pump stops working correctly it won't produce enough pressure to send the engine coolant fluid into the cooling system. Erosion and leaks are the leading causes of water pump failures that can lead to overheating.

Radiator Problems

Your vehicle is equipped with a radiator that works in tandem with fans to keep coolant temperatures at a sufficiently low operating temperature. By regulating coolant temperatures, the radiator and fans also keep the engine's temperatures at a safe operational level. If the fans or radiator break they can no longer keep the engine and coolant fluid at the right temperature, leading to overheating in turn.

Thermostat Failure

Thermostat failure is another possible cause of your car's overheating. The thermostat is a valve that regulates the flow of coolant fluid into the radiator. Normally, the thermostat allows the right amount of coolant fluid to enter the radiator when necessary. If the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position the coolant cannot pass through. It ends up getting stuck in the engine, which then leads to the engine overheating.

Worn Hoses and Belts

Worn hoses and belts can also cause overheating in your vehicle when they break or become loose. The water pump belt is one component that can cause your engine to overheat when it fails. Hoses that develop holes and cracks can interfere with the flow of coolant fluid, which puts additional stress on the engine and may lead to overheating.

If your engine’s overheating it's essential to have a certified technician inspect your vehicle and make prompt repairs to avoid more extensive and costly damage. Contact us today and our team of experts will be happy to diagnose why your car engine may be overheating.