Why Does My Car Overheat?
Are you having problems with keeping your car cool? This becomes even more of an issue when the temperature outside starts climbing, in the Summer months. So let's discuss some common problems that can cause your Vehicle to Overheat. We want to help make sure that you can keep your car cool!
Possible Reasons Your Car Overheats
1. A Leak in your Cooling System
One of the major causes of a vehicle overheating can be caused by a leak in the cooling system: The Radiator, Water Pump, Head Gasket, Hoses, Thermostat Housing. Take a look under the hood to see if you notice any leaks. Any leak in one of these areas will stop your engine from being able to cool properly, which will cause your vehicle to overheat. If you can locate the leak, you may be able to seal it up yourself. But don't hesitate to call us if you're uncomfortable with doing something like this on your own.
2. Not Enough Coolant
It is important to make sure that you have the right amount of coolant in your vehicle. Even if it's not leaking, you should still check to make sure that you have enough. To check your coolant level, make sure that your ENGINE IS OFF and that you are parked on a level surface. You will want to allow your engine to cool for several hours (do not check the coolant level when your engine is hot). If you aren't sure how to check your Engine Coolant (or your Antifreeze, depending on the time of year) then check out our Blog Post here called, "How To Check My Engine Coolant."
3. Coolant Hose Blocked
A Blocked Coolant Hose can also cause your car to Overheat. It's possible for dirt or road sediment to get into your Coolant Department and block the fluid from flowing properly through your hoses. You can fix this problem by Flushing the System and refilling it with new, clean coolant. Graham Auto Repair does offer a Coolant Service Flush at our shop. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you'd like to have us do this service.
4. Water Pump Problems
The Water Pump is another important feature to ensure a properly working Cooling System. The Water Pump helps to propel the Engine Coolant through your Cooling System. There are several common things that can go wrong with a Water Pump; including, leaks, eroded impeller vanes, or the pump shaft shifting. These are all things that can be diagnosed and fixed by one of our mechanics at Graham Auto Repair. Contact us if you think you may have a problem with your Water Pump.
5. Radiator Problems
Your Radiator is basically a heat exchanger. It's job is to transfer the heat from the hot coolant that flows through it, over to the air blown through it by the fan. The coolant flows from the inlet to the outlet, through many tubes that are mounted in a parallel arrangement. The fins conduct the heat from the tubes and transfer it to the air that's flowing through the radiator.
Any problems that you may have with the Radiator Fan, or with leaks, or clogs, will all mean that heat won't be able to escape your vehicle properly. Check to make sure that there's no yucky build-up getting in the way. Any of these things will cause the temperature in your vehicle to rise and will contribute to your vehicle overheating. If you think that you may have problems with your Radiator, one of our mechanics at Graham Auto Repair would be happy to diagnose the problem and get your Radiator back into working order. Contact us if you'd like to set up an appointment.
If you have problems with your vehicle overheating, it's not a good idea to ignore it. Ignoring the problem may cause it to turn into even bigger problems! If you've checked for visible leaks, blocks, or yucky build-up; and you've checked your coolant level; and still don't know why your vehicle is overheating, let us help you. If you're not located close to Graham, contact an Auto Repair Shop Near You that you trust. Get your vehicle into the shop so that you can diagnose the problem BEFORE it becomes something worse.
Turning the heat on in your car will help to move hot air out of the engine compartment, and may make it possible for you to drive your vehicle into our shop safely. But don't wait to get this problem checked out! If necessary, contact us about having your vehicle towed into our shop instead. We would be happy to diagnose your problem and get you safely back onto the road as quickly as possible. Call us today at 253-847-2221 or schedule an appointment online.