We’ve all seen it—a driver stranded on the side of the road, perplexed as their vehicle stalls and smokes. You may have even been there yourself.
Engine overheating is most common during the summertime in warm weather, but it’s possible any time of year. Although there are ways to prevent your car from overheating, no one is immune to cooling system problems. Here are six possible reasons why your car is overheating:
What Causes a Car to Overheat?
1. Low engine coolant
The most likely reason your car is overheating is low engine coolant. Coolant, a mixture of antifreeze solution and water, transfers heat away from critical engine parts to prevent engine overheating.
Coolant absorbs heat as it circulates through your engine. It then passes through the radiator, where the heat transfers to the air blowing through the radiator.
When your coolant is low, the engine is not cooled effectively, causing the engine to overheat and even seize up. If the metal in your engine gets hot enough, a piston may weld itself into the cylinder. If this happens, it will destroy your engine.
2. Cooling system leak
There are two primary signs of a coolant leak:
- Your reservoir tank is low even though you just filled it
- You see and/or smell a pool of coolant collecting under the vehicle
A leak can happen at the radiator cap, water pump, engine freeze plugs, heater core and more. If your coolant level keeps dropping but you don’t see any visual signs, it’s probably an internal leak. An external leak will be evident just by looking under your car.
Not sure if the liquid under your car is coolant or not? Coolant is typically brightly tinted (green, yellow, pink or red) with a sweet smell.
The experts at Virginia Tire & Auto can quickly determine where your coolant leak is coming from and recommend the appropriate repairs.
3. Malfunctioning thermostat
The thermostat blocks coolant from flowing until the engine has warmed to its operating temperature—typically 200 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, the thermostat opens, allowing the antifreeze to reach the engine and begin cooling it.
If your thermostat malfunctions and displays a false reading (i.e. it tells you your car’s temperature is normal when it’s too hot), coolant will not flow, and the engine will become progressively hotter. If it keeps happening, it can cause stalling and billows of smoke.
4. Low motor oil
Motor oil lubricates and cleans the moving parts of your engine, which helps reduce the amount of friction (and therefore heat) produced. Oil also helps draw heat away from the engine as it circulates. If your motor oil is too low or too dirty, your engine will heat up faster than normal and may seize.
Exposure to heat, air, and moisture over time causes engine oil to become less effective. Most vehicles need an oil change every 5,000-10,000 miles or every 6 months.
Read: 6 Essential Car Fluids to Check Regularly
5. Broken water pump
The water pump circulates the coolant through the engine cooling system. (Back in the “old days,” coolant was simply water—hence the name “water pump.”) If the water pump is broken, the coolant won’t circulate, leading to an overheating engine.
6. Damaged radiator
After picking up heat from the engine, coolant passes through tubes in the radiator to cool down. The tubes have metal fins that collect the heat, which is then taken away by air moving across the radiator.
The radiator is typically located at the front of the vehicle. As you drive, cool air flows through the car grille and moves hot air away. When you’re stopped, the radiator fan turns on to keep the air moving.
If debris is blocking the airflow, the radiator is damaged, or the radiator fan isn’t working, then the coolant will not be cooled adequately, and the engine temperature will rise.
What to Do if Your Car Overheats:
Signs that your engine is overheating include:
- Engine temperature gauge in the red area (H)
- Illuminated engine temperature warning light
- Steam (looks like smoke) coming from under the hood
- Strange smells or odors coming from under the hood
Do not ignore an overheated engine! Take these critical steps immediately to prevent damage to your vehicle:
- Turn up the heat! It seems counterintuitive, but to help transfer heat from the engine bay, turn on your heater and blower to the max and roll down the windows.
- Pull over to a safe area as soon as possible and turn the car off. This is a good time to call your preferred roadside assistance provider, as you will likely need a coolant top-off or a tow.
- After the car has been off for at least 15 minutes, open the hood and check the coolant level. Opening the hood before the car has cooled could result in burns/injuries from spewing steam or smoke.
If the coolant level looks normal and the engine has returned to its normal operating temperature, you can start driving again. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and plan to stop at your local Virginia Tire & Auto for a check-up soon.
If the coolant level is low, top off your coolant before you start driving again. Drop by your local Virginia Tire & Auto or schedule a visit ASAP.
If your car won’t start after it’s cooled down, then it’s time to call the tow truck. (Virginia Tire & Auto offers up to $200 in complimentary roadside assistance coverage for 365 days after your most recent service. Learn more.)
How to Prevent Overheating
The best way to prevent overheating is to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule. Some car models need a coolant flush every 30,000 miles, but others can go more than 100,000 miles between coolant flushes. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.
Regular oil changes help keep your engine at peak performance and prevent overheating. Plus, at Virginia Tire & Auto, our 25-point oil change service includes checking and filling (if necessary) your coolant.
Read: The Essential Car Maintenance Checklist
Having Car Trouble?
Bring your vehicle to Virginia Tire & Auto! Our experts will diagnose the issue and help you understand what your car needs before performing any services or repairs. Schedule a visit at your local Virginia Tire & Auto today!
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