Why Is My Car Overheating?

If you’re in a predicament that has led you to ask, “Why is my car overheating?”, you’re likely feeling some stress and worry at the moment. There are several reasons a car would overheat, such as a leak within the cooling system or a radiator issue. Every car on the road in Thomasville, GA has a normal operating temperature, but most vehicles sit between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The important thing is knowing what to do when a car overheats. If you start your car in Crawfordville and the temperature gauge is higher than usual, do not drive it. Schedule a service appointment as soon as possible, and learn more about what causes a car to overheat in the guide below.

What Causes a Car to Overheat?

So, what does it mean when your car overheats in Crawfordville? For one, it means your vehicle needs to be inspected by an experienced technician. But what are some of the reasons a car would overheat in the first place? Here are some common causes:

• Leak in the cooling system: Many Panama City drivers’ vehicles overheat because there’s a leak in the cooling system; the leak could originate in one of several components, including the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing, so it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional technician who’ll be able to diagnose the cause and fix it in a timely manner.
• Incorrect coolant-to-water ratio: Did you know there’s a proper coolant-to-water ratio that must be adhered to? The proper ratio is 50:50, and if the ratio is off, your engine could overheat as a result.
• Coolant hose blockage: Throughout the years and miles your car spends on Tallahassee roads, dirt and debris can make their way into the cooling system. This can cause blockages in the coolant hose, leading to overheating.
• Radiator issues: Another common reason a car would overheat is a problem with the radiator—this could be anything from a blockage or a leak, to a failing radiator fan. 
• Broken water pump: Engine coolant makes its way through the cooling system by way of a water pump; if the water pump suffers a leak or a shifted pump shaft, you could be left with an overheated vehicle.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

If your car overheats while you’re on the road and you happen to be running the air conditioning, turn the A/C off immediately and crank the heat up; this will help pull heat off the engine. As soon as you locate a safe spot to do so, pull your car off the road. Turn the car off and allow the engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before you open the hood to check things out. At this point, the safest course of action is to contact a towing service and have your car towed to the nearest service center for further inspection. You could try to top off the coolant, but if there’s a hose blockage or broken radiator fan, the extra coolant won’t do you much good. 

Trust the Technicians at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC

If your engine overheats and you need to bring your car to a trusted service department in Tallahassee, turn to the team at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC. Our technicians can diagnose the problem quickly and repair your vehicle for an affordable price, so you can get back on the road as soon as possible. With any questions or concerns, please contact us and we’ll be happy to provide further advice.