An overheating vehicle engine is not something to ignore. The resulting heat causes intense combustion that can melt or warp the engine. A melting or warping engine is inefficient and can stop working completely. Discover common causes of vehicle overheating.
A Malfunctioning Thermostat
Before the engine warms up, the thermostat will keep the coolant away from the engine. The purpose of this mechanism is to enable the car to attain the required temperature in a shorter time. However, a broken thermostat may not allow the coolant to enter the engine after warming up. Therefore, the engine won’t cool down when required.
Radiator Problems
The radiator cools the car system by absorbing heat from the engine. If debris and other particles accumulate in the radiator, the engine may overheat. Radiators can also stop working if a problem occurs with the belts and hoses of the unit.
Low Oil
Motor oil minimizes friction and controls the engine’s temperature. The oil will lubricate various components inside the engine to ensure smooth movement. If your vehicle has insufficient oil, friction will increase, leading to high temperatures in the engine.
Failing Water Pump
The water pump controls the movement of the coolant within the cooling system. Once the coolant extracts heat from the engine, the water pump will push the coolant to the radiator via hoses. The radiator will then absorb the heat from the coolant before pushing the coolant back into the engine. If the water pump doesn’t work, this cycle won’t happen.
Damaged Radiator Fan
As the coolant flows throughout the engine, the radiator fins may absorb some heat from the coolant. The heat on the fins is not usually a problem since air always flows over the radiator when the car moves. The air helps cool the fins and prevents overheating.
When the vehicle stops, radiator fans will step in to generate the air that cools the fins. The radiator may stop working due to physical damage or blockage from leaves, plastic bags, cardboard, and other materials. If the fans are broken, the engine can overheat when the car idles.
A Blown Head Gasket
The head gasket separates the cylinder head from the engine block. When the gasket blows, coolants can enter the combustion chamber, or the oil can flow into the cooling components. Typically, the coolant leak will be visible, but the coolant levels can drop without any visible leak. You will see a milky white oil or white smoke emanating from the exhaust pipe.
Insufficient or Missing Coolant
The car engine generates a lot of heat during operation, and the coolant has to remove the excess heat from the engine. If your vehicle has insufficient or no coolant, the engine will overheat, mainly if you are stuck in traffic or stop for a long time at a red light. Many factors can cause low levels of coolant in your vehicle. A common cause is a ruptured, blocked, or leaking coolant hose.
Corrosion and debris in the cooling system can also cause clogging, particularly if you don’t maintain your vehicle properly. The clogs can block the smooth flow of the coolant, causing overheating in the engine. The main sign of low coolant levels is abnormal temperature gauge readings.
Worn-Out Belts
Belts control the optimum flow of air to the engine to prevent overheating. Belts can experience wear and tear due to excessive use or aging. Damaged belts can’t transfer enough air to the engine, causing an accumulation of heat in the engine.
If your vehicle begins to overheat, see a mechanic immediately. All German Auto provides vehicle repair services at competitive prices. While we primarily focus on German cars, our technicians have the expertise to service all family vehicles. Contact us for more information.
