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October 7, 2024

What Causes Your Car to Overheat: What You Need to Know

What Could Cause Your Vehicle to Overheat and What to Do If It Happens

Car trouble is never fun. And even though we are heading into fall, we in Newport News are still experiencing some hot weather. So, when the the temperature outside near 80, it's alarming to see your vehicle’s temperature gauge creeping into the red zone, as well. Because an overheating engine can quickly escalate into a serious problem. And this can lead to expensive repairs or even engine failure if not addressed promptly. So, in this blog, the experts at Meineke in Newport News review the causes of vehicle overheating and offer suggestions on what to do when it happens to save you from a costly breakdown.

Common Causes of Vehicle Overheating

Low Coolant Level

  • The most common cause of an overheating engine is a low coolant level. Because as coolant (antifreeze) circulates through the engine, it absorbs heat and keeps the engine temperature regulated. But, if the coolant is low due to a leak or evaporation, the engine may overheat. And this could be from a cracked hose, loose hose connection, or a more serious issue like a head gasket leak.

Radiator Problems

  • Your radiator plays a critical role in keeping the engine cool by dissipating heat from the coolant. And if the radiator is clogged with dirt or debris, damaged, or has a leak, it may not effectively cool the engine, leading to overheating.

Faulty Thermostat

  • The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant to the engine. So, if it’s stuck closed, the coolant won’t circulate, causing the engine to overheat. And this issue can happen suddenly and without warning, making it a potential culprit of rapid overheating.

Water Pump Failure

  • The water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine. But a malfunctioning or broken water pump will prevent proper coolant flow, leading to overheating. And this can happen when, over time, a water pump wears out, corrodes, or develops a leak, leading to overheating issues.

Cooling Fan Malfunction

  • The cooling fan helps maintain airflow over the radiator, especially at low speeds or while idling. So, if the fan isn’t working due to an electrical issue, faulty motor, or broken belt, the radiator won’t cool effectively. And this is especially true in stop-and-go traffic.

Blocked or Damaged Radiator Hoses

  • Radiator hoses carry coolant between the engine and radiator. And if one becomes blocked, kinked, or damaged, coolant flow can be restricted, leading to overheating.

Engine Oil Issues

  • Engine oil not only lubricates the engine’s moving parts but also plays a role in cooling. So, if the oil level is too low or the oil is dirty and degraded, it won't cool the engine properly. And this leads to overheating.

Overworking the Engine in Hot Weather

  • Extremely hot weather or heavy driving conditions, such as towing a trailer or driving up steep hills, can put extra strain on the engine. And this, combined with low coolant or other issues, can easily cause the engine to overheat.

Meineke is Here to Help if Your Engine Overheats

Overheating is a warning sign that something is wrong with your vehicle’s cooling system. And by understanding the causes and taking the right steps if it happens, you can avoid severe engine damage. So, if your car does overheat, pull over safely, assess the situation, and don’t hesitate to call Meineke in New Port News for help.

If the Meineke in Newport News is not convenient, check out these other locally-owned Meineke locations:

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