10 Common Causes of Car Overheating

Overheating engines are not uncommon, and the potential damage can be irreversible without the right precautions. In the event of an overheating vehicle, it's crucial not to attempt to drive any further. Safely pull over, stop the vehicle, and turn it off. 

But what causes car engines to overheat? In this blog, we will take a look at some of the common reasons for car overheating.

 

Ten reasons for car overheating:

 

1. Low coolant levels

If there's not enough coolant in your car, the engine can't cool down properly. This might make the engine get too hot. To avoid this, make sure your coolant levels are where they should be, as recommended by the car maker. 

If it's too low, add some new coolant. When you're filling an empty coolant tank, use a mix that's half antifreeze/coolant and half water. If you're not sure where the coolant tank is or how to fill it, check your car's manual for help.

 

2. Cooling system clogs

When gunk and debris build up in the cooling system of a car over time, especially if the car isn't taken care of properly, it can cause a blockage. This blockage stops the engine coolant from flowing properly and can make the engine overheat.

 

3. Leakage in the cooling system 

If your coolant reservoir tank is empty, it might be due to a possible leak. Look out for spots or puddles on the ground, which can indicate a coolant leak. It's important to note that coolant has a sweet smell and can be green, blue, or orange, depending on the type used in your car.

 

4. Poor condition of the water pump

The water pump plays a crucial role in circulating coolant throughout the engine. Over time, the various parts of the water pump, such as the bearings and impeller, can wear out, leading to a failure in pushing the coolant through the system. When the water pump fails, the flow of coolant to the radiator is disrupted, resulting in overheating. 

Finding metallic debris in the coolant, hearing a grinding noise from the front of the engine, and observing coolant leakage from that area also indicate that the water pump is failing.

 

5. Low level of oil

Apart from keeping the engine's parts lubricated, the motor oil in a vehicle also plays a role in temperature control. 

When the oil level is low, it can lead to increased engine temperatures. If this excess heat is too much because of insufficient lubrication, the coolant may not be able to lower the temperature adequately, leading to overheating.

 

Read: 8 Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

 

6. Thermostat trouble

Just like the thermostat at home, your car has one to control its temperature. When this thermostat fails, it can harm the engine by messing up how the coolant flows.

Over time, if you don't change the coolant regularly, stuff from the coolant can cover the thermostat. This can stop it from sensing the coolant temperature properly. Sometimes, the thermostat may fail mechanically and stay closed. Either way, it keeps the coolant stuck in the engine, making the engine heat up quickly.

 

7. Issues with the radiator

Radiators and their fans work together to cool down the engine by reducing the temperature of the coolant. If there are issues with the fans, it can affect the radiator's ability to remove heat, leading to abnormal temperature increases.

This can happen if there's something blocking the radiator. Common things that can block the radiator include plastic bags, leaves, and cardboard. Also, if the radiator is physically damaged and the passages through the fins are partially or completely sealed, it can lead to overheating.

 

8. Heater core blockage

If the engine's heat exchanger unit is clogged or blocked, it can disrupt the flow of coolant, leading to potential overheating in the vehicle's engine.

 

9. Radiator cap concerns

A faulty radiator cap might fail to maintain pressure in the cooling system, potentially leading to engine overheating. Today's cooling systems are designed as closed, pressurized systems for more efficient cooling, minimizing the risk of "boil-over."

 

10. Broken or loose belt

When a belt, particularly the one connected to the water pump, is loose or broken, it can't assist in maintaining the proper volume of coolant flow, potentially causing the engine to overheat.

In conclusion, understanding the common causes of car overheating is crucial for maintaining a smooth and safe driving experience. Remember, if you ever find yourself facing an overheating vehicle, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and seek professional assistance. By staying vigilant and addressing these potential culprits, you can keep your engine cool and enjoy worry-free travels on the road.