Is your Car Engine Overheating?

Stop the car immediately to avoid a very expensive repair. Find a Workshop closest to you to help you.

Engine Overheating

Any engine whether it be a car engine or truck engine, if it is liquid-cooled it will have a thermostat. A thermostat controls the temperature of the coolant traveling from the radiator to the engine. Once the engine reaches its operating temperature generally around 95 degrees celsius the thermostat opens to allow the cool water from the radiator to cool the engine.

Troubleshoot an overheating engine

  • Step 1: Check the coolant level in the expansion tank and make sure water is in the radiator by removing the radiator cap. Make sure the engine is off and has cooled down before opening the radiator cap.
  • Step 2: Make sure there is no air in the system. If you find air bubbles in the system it can cause the coolant to not circulate properly. Run the engine until all bubbles have disappeared and top up regularly with coolant.
  • Step 3: Make sure the radiator fans are spinning. Run the car to operating temperature and ensure the fans kick in and spin.
  • Step 4: Test the fan motor. This is the electric motor that turns the fan blades.
  • Step 5: Check the serpentine belt is connected as this turns the water pump motor.
  • Step 6: Check for leaks. Firstly check under the car’s engine on the floor. However small leaks do not leave a puddle on the ground. Check for any leaks around the rubber hoses connecting the radiator to the engine.
  • Step 7: Check the thermostat. When a thermostat goes bad it will either be in the open or closed state. If it gets stuck in the closed state the coolant will not circulate properly.
  • Step 8: Make sure there is oil in the engine. Pull out the dipstick and check the oil level.

Other Causes of car engine overheating.

Although there can be many different causes of an overheating issue, the reason your engine is overheating is that something inside the cooling system is preventing the absorption, transportation, or release of heat. Here are some reasons why heat isn’t leaving your engine compartment:

Leak in the Cooling System – This is the number ONE main cause of engine overheating. If you get a leak in your radiator, water pump, hoses, head gasket, or thermostat housing, your engine isn’t going to be able to cool properly. If you can find the leak, you may be able to seal it on your own, but you’ll probably benefit from bringing your car into an e-CAR workshop and having one of our expert mechanics have a look.

Coolant Issues – You can have problems with your coolant even if there isn’t a leak in the system. If you put the wrong coolant in your car, or if the coolant-to-water ratio is off, your engine may have problems staying cool. Try flushing the system and adding the proper mix as recommended by your owner’s manual.

Blocked Hoses  – If there’s no leak and the coolant has been installed properly, the next thing you’ll want to check is your coolant hose. Sometimes dirt or road sediment can get into your coolant department and block the flow of fluid through your hoses. Flushing the system and refilling your coolant tank is once again the preferred course of action.

Radiator Problems  – Another common cause of engine overheating is a problem with your radiator. Leaks, clogs, or problems with the radiator fan all mean that heat can’t properly escape your vehicle, which will cause the temperature to rise. A mechanic will be able to diagnose exactly what’s wrong with your radiator and what needs to be done to correct the problem.

Broken Water Pump – The water pump, as the name implies, helps pump and propel engine coolant throughout your cooling system. Any issue associated with the water pump can lead to an overheating engine. Common water pump problems include leaks, shifting of the pump shaft, or eroded impeller vanes.

If you notice your car is overheating, turn the heat on in your car, as this will help move hot air out of the engine compartment, and bring it to a trusty mechanic right away. Ignoring the problem can cause your engine system to fail, which can mean thousands of dollars in repairs!

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Car Engine Overheating

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Schedule Your Car Engine Diagnostic Report Appointment Today

If you’re unable to identify or fix the issue, call for professional assistance or have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.

What happens if you overheat your engine?

1. Warped Cylinder Head:

Excessive heat can cause the cylinder head to warp. This can lead to a loss of compression and potentially cause the head gasket to fail.

2. Blown Head Gasket:

The head gasket seals the cylinder head to the engine block. Overheating can cause the gasket to fail, leading to coolant leaks, oil leaks, and a mix of oil and coolant, which can severely damage the engine.

3. Cracked Engine Block:

In extreme cases, the engine block itself can crack due to the stress caused by overheating. This is a severe issue that often requires a complete engine replacement.

4. Piston and Cylinder Damage:

Overheating can cause the pistons to expand excessively, leading to scuffing or seizing within the cylinders. This can result in significant engine damage and loss of power.

5. Damage to Engine Components:

Various engine components, such as valves, valve seats, and spark plugs, can be damaged by excessive heat. This can lead to poor engine performance and increased emissions.

6. Oil Breakdown:

High temperatures can cause engine oil to break down, losing its lubricating properties. This can lead to increased friction and wear on engine components.

7. Cooling System Failure:

Overheating can cause components of the cooling system, such as the radiator, water pump, and hoses, to fail. This can exacerbate the overheating problem and lead to further engine damage.

8. Engine Seizure:

In the worst-case scenario, the engine can seize due to the excessive heat and lack of lubrication. This means the engine components literally fuse together, rendering the engine inoperable.

What to Do if Your Engine Overheats:

Pull Over Safely: If you notice your engine temperature gauge rising or steam coming from under the hood, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible.
Turn Off the Engine: Shut off the engine to prevent further damage.
Allow the Engine to Cool: Do not attempt to open the radiator cap or touch any engine components until the engine has cooled down completely.
Check Coolant Levels: Once the engine is cool, check the coolant level and look for any visible leaks.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re unable to identify or fix the issue, call for professional assistance or have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.

 

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Enhance your vehicle’s performance and safety with premium parts from industry leaders such as Bosch, Ferodo, KYB, Sachs, Continental, NGK, and Valvoline.

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