Thursday July 27, 2023 | SOOKE, BC
by Island Social Trends
Driving in hot weather is a factor in engine overheating, but it’s not the only factor. Low coolant level or a cooling system leak are other reasons that your car engine can overheat. Your vehicle might also have a failing water pump or thermostat.
We’ve all been there. You’re driving along in an older car, and suddenly you notice that your heat gauge is all the way in the red. Steam starts to billow out of the hood of your car, and you’ve got to pull over, and figure out what’s going on.
There are many reasons that cars can overheat in the summer. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 causes of overheating, and how you can repair your vehicle – and keep yourself driving in style all summer long.
Prompt repairs:
Overheating can cause damage to a vehicle. Prompt repairs are a smart idea.
If you let your car overheat multiple times, you can damage the gaskets, engine block, and other critical components of your engine.
1. Leaks In The Cooling System
There are many areas in a vehicle cooling system that could leak. This is the most common cause of engines overheating. When a leak occurs, coolant can’t flow to critical engine parts, which causes heat to build up, without being released by the radiator.
Common areas that can spring a leak include:
- Radiator
- Water pumps
- Hoses
- Head gaskets
- Thermostat housings
If one of these systems springs a leak, your car will likely overheat while driving. It’s usually hard to locate every area that may have a leak on your own, so we recommend consulting with a mechanic.
2. Coolant Problems
Coolant can cause engine overheating even if there are no major leaks in your coolant system. The engine will have problems staying cool when using the wrong type of coolant for your car, or the coolant-to-water ratio is not correct.
If your car has been operating without overheating during the cooler months, but begins to overheat as it warms up, this could be a sign that you’re not using the right coolant. Flush your system and add the proper mix, or visit a mechanic to have your car’s coolant system serviced.
3. Blocked Or Restricted Hoses
If there are no leaks, and the coolant that you are using is the right type for your vehicle, the next most common cause of engine overheating is blocked hoses.
During use, a vehicle picks up dirt, debris, road sediment, and other such foreign materials. If you don’t seal your coolant compartment properly, this debris can get mixed into your coolant, and sent through your hoses – causing a block, or severely restricting the flow of coolant.
The fix is to get the coolant system flushed. That will likely dislodge any dirt or sediment that is present in your hoses, and restore engine functionality.
4. Radiator Issues
Radiators — especially older ones — can develop a number of problems. If the radiator is leaky, clogged, bent/damaged, or if the radiator fan is not operating properly, heat won’t be able to escape the vehicle properly which leads to overheating.
If you suspect the radiator is faulty, consult with a mechanic for a thorough inspection, to understand the cause of the radiator problem, and the proper fix for your particular issue.
5. Broken Or Damaged Water Pump
The water pump helps pump coolant and water throughout your cooling system. If the water pump becomes damaged, or is malfunctioning, your vehicle will start to overheat very quickly. Some of the most common issues with water pumps include:
- Leaks in the pump
- Shifting in the pump shaft
- Eroded impeller vanes
- Loose water pump pulley
- Damaged bearings
Any of these issues can cause engine overheating. Bring your car into a service centre to determine the cause of water pump failure, and have it fixed!
