Why Is My Car Overheating?

An overheating engine might be due to various causes, but they all require one solution: immediate repairs. An engine that can't properly maintain its temperature or receive the right amount of coolant fluid to stay cool can easily be damaged. Excess heat in the engine can cause problems with other parts in the engine and cooling system, such as the seals and gaskets. Therefore, be sure to contact a skilled mechanic at the first sign of trouble to prevent what might initially be a minor problem in your vehicle from becoming much worse.

Low Coolant Fluid Levels

All vehicles need a certain amount of coolant fluid in their engines to function properly. Inadequate levels of coolant fluid might mean there's a leak somewhere in the vehicle's cooling system. If the car's engine does not have enough coolant fluid, it won't maintain the right temperature, which can then cause it to overheat.

Insufficient Oil Levels

Oil is another vital fluid for your car's engine. Engines naturally burn some amount of oil when you drive, which means that you'll periodically need to have the oil topped off. It's also important to follow your vehicle's recommended oil change schedule, as dirty or contaminated oil can also cause the engine's temperature to rise beyond its normal operating level. A car that constantly consumes oil may leak somewhere, which a skilled mechanic can further evaluate.

Fans and Radiators

Within your car's complex cooling system are the radiator and fans. The radiator helps keep the right amount of coolant fluid in the engine and moving through the cooling system. If the radiator stops working, it can't move antifreeze through the engine, making the engine subject to overheating. The fans might break as well or get clogged with dirty coolant fluid, which keeps them from helping to regulate the engine's temperature as well.

Problems With Hoses and Belts

Each car's cooling system also contains several hoses and belts. As with the belts and hoses elsewhere in your vehicle, the belts and hoses in the cooling system can encounter problems that keep them from working correctly. The belts might fray, slip, or break, while the hoses can become disconnected or develop leaks and cracks that in turn make the engine's antifreeze drain out.

An overheating engine is a serious problem that needs an expert mechanic's attention. Contact our service department today for diagnostics and repairs.