6 Reasons Your Car Might Be Overheating
Once the summer sun hits, overheating cars become much more common. However, hot weather isn’t the only culprit that makes the malfunction indicator light up. These are six common reasons that might explain why your car is overheating.
- It needs a new oil change
Besides lubricating the parts of an engine, oil eliminates up to 80% of the excess heat that builds up in the tank over time. Without oil, the aforementioned parts create friction that not only overheats the engine, but damages it.
- The cooling system is leaking
If coolant (aka antifreeze) levels are low, then the problem is most likely a leak in the cooling system hoses. These deliver coolant to the radiator, which then regulates the temperature of fluid that travels to the engine. Without this circulation, the engine is unable to cool down properly.
- Blocked thermostat
A thermostat can get locked into a closed position if broken, which stops the coolant circulation and prevents a cold engine from warming up.
- The water pump is failing
The impeller inside a water pump may have just worn down over prolonged periods of use. Additionally, water pumps can internally erode due to heat or simply become contaminated.
- An engine belt is damaged
The engine belts are directly connected to the water pump, which is the main instrument that keeps the coolant levels flowing. If damaged or loose, the engine belt prevents the water pump from successfully circulating coolant throughout the entire cooling system.
As long as you immediately approach the cause of concern in your vehicle, you can save money on the damage control. Otherwise, you may be looking at spending thousands of dollars by putting off necessary maintenance. Even modern engines aren’t immune to problems. Therefore, remember to stay alert during the summer for any overheating mishaps and regularly service your car to reduce the likelihood of any unexpected surprises.
This is a collaborative article.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.