Top Common Reasons for a Car to Overheat
A vehicle that is overheating usually has one or more problems that need to be diagnosed. Below are the top reasons for a car to overheat.
1. Leaks in the Cooling System
Leaks are the number one reason that a vehicle begins to overheat. Leaks in hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, heater core and several other things can all lead to issues with your vehicle’s cooling system.
If you do suspect a leak, or recently had to add coolant to the reservoir, don’t wait to get your vehicle checked. Get an expert opinion today before your leak turns into an expensive catastrophe.
2. Coolant Concentration
You can use incorrect coolant that will cause your vehicle to overheat or use the correct one but incorrectly mix it which will also lead to you car overheating. If you are worried about this and have not properly maintained your service schedule, a full cooling system flush is necessary! Coolant becomes corrosive over time so failing to keep up on regular maintenance will only accelerate wear on the system.
3. Bad Thermostat
Your thermostat is an important valve in your car’s cooling system that regulates the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator. When it gets stuck closed, as it does if overheated, then coolant can’t pass through and your car heats up. Letting a sign of overheating go unchecked can turn something small into big problem for your engine down the road.
4. Bad Radiator
Mistreatment or neglect of the cooling system can lead to severe health risks, such as a radiator failure.
5. Worn Out or Burst Hoses
Hoses with leaks or even sizable holes will leave your engine leaking and disrupt the coolant flow. The water pump can’t circulate coolant when it has leaked due to one of the hoses!
6. Bad Radiator Fan
If your radiator fan is not working, it can’t pull air across the radiator and help cool the engine. The pressure caused by overheating will cause leaks which could lead to a more significant issue.
7. Loose or Broken Belts
If a belt is loose or broken, it cannot maintain the correct amount of coolant flow and can lead to overheating.
8. Bad Water Pump
Your water pump is a very important part of the cooling system, and it can cause your car to overheat if anything goes wrong with it.
