{"id":62183,"date":"2023-08-05T10:04:38","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T09:04:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carmart.africa\/blog\/?p=62183"},"modified":"2023-08-05T10:04:38","modified_gmt":"2023-08-05T09:04:38","slug":"9-major-reasons-why-a-car-engine-overheats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carlots.ng\/motoring\/9-major-reasons-why-a-car-engine-overheats\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Major Reasons Why A Car Engine Overheats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every vehicle\u2019s engine<\/a> runs at 210 degrees Fahrenheit (99 degrees Celsius). For this to happen, there\u2019s a cooling system installed that keeps the engine from overheating<\/a>. If you\u2019ve noticed steam rising from under the vehicle. Perhaps the temperature gauge on your dashboard is showing an \u201cH\u201d reading in the red or the heat sensor is on.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If so, take a closer look at the cooling system before expensive repairs are necessary. It\u2019s important to know how the cooling system works and what signs mean your vehicle is overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Engine Cooling System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Carfax<\/a>, the cooling system operates as a pressurized closed loop. Leaks or loss of pressure can keep it from doing its job and cause the engine\u2019s temperature to climb. The coolant used in the engine is 50% water and 50% antifreeze in liquid form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The antifreeze keeps the coolant from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. The coolant gets pumped through the heated engine first before it cycles through the radiator where it\u2019s cooled down by fresh air. The process lets the coolant gather heat from the engine again on its next cycle through the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the cooling system fails to do its job, the heat situation will trigger a dashboard warning on recent models. On older vehicles, the temperature gauge will show the needle in the red with \u201cH\u201d for hot. If that happens, or you notice steam rising from under the vehicle, stop the vehicle safely off the road and check the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 Reasons Your Car Could Be Overheating <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There many reasons a vehicle\u2019s engine could be overheating. Some of them are simple and affordable to fix when caught. Here are the top nine reasons your car\u2019s engine is overheating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Coolant Level<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Checking the level of coolant in the overflow tank periodically is a good idea. If you\u2019re low on coolant, the engine could overheat. Adding coolant can solve the problem but keep an eye out for other issues like leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Engine Fan<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      The engine fan runs when needed to draw outside air through the radiator for sufficient cooling. A faulty engine fan can be the result of a broken motor or switch. If the fan is belt-driven, the belt might be the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Exhaust System Clogs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        If the catalytic converter or another system component gets restricted or blocked in any way, exhaust gas can\u2019t be expelled as it needs to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Leakage<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Coolant on the ground where the vehicle is parked might be a good indication of leaks. You might also see coolant on the engine. The leak could be coming from the radiator, a hose, the heater core, the engine block, the head gasket, or the overflow tank. When leaks are identified, repairs should be made as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Radiator Cap<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            The cap needs to be tightly in place for the system to remain pressurized. Ensure the radiator cap is tight and not broken or defective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Radiator Clogs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Corrosion, debris, and grime from old coolant can cause clogs in the radiator. If the clogs are minor, cleaning will clear it up. Otherwise, the radiator may need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Thermostat Getting Stuck<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                If the thermostat is stuck in a \u201cclosed\u201d position, the coolant might not be circulating through the radiator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Water Pump or Belt<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  If the water pump or the belt that runs it fails, seepage and leaks result and the system can\u2019t do its job. This could be another reason for overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. System Overload<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Towing or hauling can cause overheating situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    What To Do When Your Engine Overheats<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    If you notice that your vehicle is overheating, try to get it off the road right away. If necessary, tow it as opposed to running it with the engine hot. Turn off the engine once you\u2019ve reached a safe location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Wait until the car is completely cool before trying to open the hood to prevent injury. Check the coolant and the radiator cap once it has cooled off. Check the lower and upper radiator hoses, as well as other heater hoses, aren\u2019t blocked, broken, or disconnected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n