Cooling System Problems That Could Cause Your Car to Overheat

The engine in your car or truck produces heat as it runs. Keeping the heat in check is critical because if the engine gets too hot, damage can occur inside it. The cooling system in your vehicle should keep the engine cool as long as it is working properly. But if the system isn't working properly, you need to fix the problem right away to avoid long-term damage to the engine.

Engine Overheating

Overheating problems can be the result of a lot of things, but there are some basic things to check if you are experiencing problems with overheating.

Low Coolant Level

A common cause of engine overheating is low coolant levels in the cooling system. The cooling system is a closed system, meaning it should not leak, but some problems can allow it to escape over time. If the leak is slow enough, you may not notice a problem until the temperature starts to rise.

Checking the coolant level is pretty easy, but you have to wait until the engine is cool. If you open the system while it is hot, hot coolant can spray out. The liquid gets hot enough to cause severe burns. If you do not have experience with checking the cooling system, you should take the car to a garage and have the technician check the coolant level for you.

Stuck Thermostat

Another common problem that can cause your engine to overheat is a thermostat in the cooling system that is stuck in the closed position. If the thermostat is closed, the coolant cannot circulate through the system properly and the engine will overheat.

The thermostat on most cars is typically where the coolant from the radiator enters the engine. To check and change the thermostat, a technician will likely have to partially drain the system and disassemble the water neck where the coolant enters the engine block. This allows them to expose them thermostat and perform any necessary work.

Restrictions in the Radiator

If the radiator in your car is old, rust and sludge can build up inside the cooling tubes where the coolant passes through the system. The result is a lower than normal amount of water passing through the radiator and the coolant not dropping in temperature properly. As the temperature climbs, the situation compounds on itself and the engine will eventually overheat.

Mechanical Problems

The cooling system has several mechanical components in it that can cause problems if these parts stop working as well.

Water Pump Failure

The single largest mechanical part of the cooling system is the water pump. The water pump is a vane-style pump that is driven off the engine and circulates the coolant through the system. If the pump fails, the coolant flow will stop and the engine will overheat.

Most of the time, if the water pump fails, it is a bearing in the pump that seizes or the seal on the pump shaft that fails. The result is a catastrophic failure and the temperature will rise extremely quickly. Often the failure is followed by copious amounts of steam coming from under the hood and coolant leaking from the pump.

Cooling Fan Failure

Most modern cars have either a mechanical fan that runs off the engine via a pulley and belt or an electric cooling fan that helps move air through the radiator. If this fan stops working, the coolant will rise in temperature and eventually overheat.

In cooler weather, the temperature change may not happen as quickly as it would in the summertime. However, the fan is still a critical part of the system. If the fan is not working, replacing or repairing it should be a priority.

If you are experiencing higher than normal engine temperatures or your car is overheating, Redford Auto Repair can help. Our technicians can diagnose the problem and quickly resolve it for you. Stop in and see us for a cooling system check to head off cooling system issues before they start.