Every vehicle’s engine runs at 210 degrees Fahrenheit (99 degrees Celsius). For this to happen, there’s a cooling system installed that keeps the engine from overheating. If you’ve noticed steam rising from under the vehicle. Perhaps the temperature gauge on your dashboard is showing an “H” reading in the red or the heat sensor is on.
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If so, take a closer look at the cooling system before expensive repairs are necessary. It’s important to know how the cooling system works and what signs mean your vehicle is overheating.
About the Engine Cooling System
According to Carfax, the cooling system operates as a pressurized closed loop. Leaks or loss of pressure can keep it from doing its job and cause the engine’s temperature to climb. The coolant used in the engine is 50% water and 50% antifreeze in liquid form.
The antifreeze keeps the coolant from freezing in extremely cold temperatures. The coolant gets pumped through the heated engine first before it cycles through the radiator where it’s cooled down by fresh air. The process lets the coolant gather heat from the engine again on its next cycle through the system.
When the cooling system fails to do its job, the heat situation will trigger a dashboard warning on recent models. On older vehicles, the temperature gauge will show the needle in the red with “H” for hot. If that happens, or you notice steam rising from under the vehicle, stop the vehicle safely off the road and check the issue.
9 Reasons Your Car Could Be Overheating
There many reasons a vehicle’s engine could be overheating. Some of them are simple and affordable to fix when caught. Here are the top nine reasons your car’s engine is overheating.
- Coolant Level
Checking the level of coolant in the overflow tank periodically is a good idea. If you’re low on coolant, the engine could overheat. Adding coolant can solve the problem but keep an eye out for other issues like leaks.
- Engine Fan
The engine fan runs when needed to draw outside air through the radiator for sufficient cooling. A faulty engine fan can be the result of a broken motor or switch. If the fan is belt-driven, the belt might be the culprit.
- Exhaust System Clogs
If the catalytic converter or another system component gets restricted or blocked in any way, exhaust gas can’t be expelled as it needs to be.
- Leakage
Coolant on the ground where the vehicle is parked might be a good indication of leaks. You might also see coolant on the engine. The leak could be coming from the radiator, a hose, the heater core, the engine block, the head gasket, or the overflow tank. When leaks are identified, repairs should be made as soon as possible.
- Radiator Cap
The cap needs to be tightly in place for the system to remain pressurized. Ensure the radiator cap is tight and not broken or defective.
- Radiator Clogs
Corrosion, debris, and grime from old coolant can cause clogs in the radiator. If the clogs are minor, cleaning will clear it up. Otherwise, the radiator may need to be replaced.
- Thermostat Getting Stuck
If the thermostat is stuck in a “closed” position, the coolant might not be circulating through the radiator.
- Water Pump or Belt
If the water pump or the belt that runs it fails, seepage and leaks result and the system can’t do its job. This could be another reason for overheating.
- System Overload
Towing or hauling can cause overheating situations.
What To Do When Your Engine Overheats
If you notice that your vehicle is overheating, try to get it off the road right away. If necessary, tow it as opposed to running it with the engine hot. Turn off the engine once you’ve reached a safe location.
Wait until the car is completely cool before trying to open the hood to prevent injury. Check the coolant and the radiator cap once it has cooled off. Check the lower and upper radiator hoses, as well as other heater hoses, aren’t blocked, broken, or disconnected.
Turn the engine back on and carefully monitor the temperature gauge or sensors. If it begins overheating again, stop immediately in a safe location and turn off the engine. Check to find the issue, or seek the help of a trained mechanic or technician, and have repairs made immediately.
