Why Is My Car Overheating? This Is Everything to Know

Its a hot summer day and you're creeping along in traffic, you notice steam starting to sneak out from under your hood and with one look to your temperature gauge; YEP your car is overheating.

Of course, you turn off the AC, roll down the windows and blast the heat, just long enough until you can get to a safe spot to pull over. You call AAA, Mom, Dad, or your mechanic, and they confirm "yep, your car is overheating."

If that story sounds familiar, you're not alone. It happens to everyone at some point. So, we know that cars can and often do overheat and that it's bad and that it must be repaired. But, why is my car overheating?

If you find yourself asking that question after such an event, read on to learn some of the common causes of overheating in cars.

A Leak in the Cooling System

Leaks are the leading cause of overheating in cars. The cooling system is built up of hoses, a radiator, a water pump, head gaskets, a thermostat, heater core, and several other components. This creates a lot of potential points of failure within the system.

You might have a leak if your coolant levels are constantly low. Check your coolant regularly (once the car has cooled down) and make sure it is topped off. Do this only until you can take the car to a mechanic for repairs, as a small leak can quickly turn into a much bigger problem.

Wrong Coolant Type

Using the right mix of coolant for your car is critical. Using a mixture of coolant and water that is not proportionally correct can cause your car to overheat.

It's also important to know that you must have your coolant system regularly flushed as part of regular maintenance. Engine coolant is corrosive over time and it can degrade your coolant system.

Radiator Problems

If your car is running hot, you could have a problem with your radiator. This could be caused by a blockage. A blocked radiator prevents antifreeze from flowing through it dispersing heat into the air. This will certainly cause your car to overheat.

Your radiator fan could be busted. The fan clutch, motor, or any wiring could be a potential source of the problem. The fan is necessary for moving the air across the radiator and dropping the temperature of the coolant within.

Bad Water Pump

A water pump is a crucial part of the cooling system. Without it, your coolant will not flow through the radiator and the engine will not be sufficiently cooled. The pump can leak, become corroded, or suffer from worn bearings.

A bad water pump should be replaced immediately, so don't hesitate to bring your car in for an inspection after the first time it overheats.

Why Is My Car Overheating?

A trained mechanic or technician will be able to tell you exactly why your car is overheating.

So if you're still asking yourself "Why is my car overheating?" bring it to us for a diagnosis. We will use state of the art diagnostic tools and techniques to find your problem and fix it before it becomes a much bigger problem.