Why Does My Car Engine Keep Overheating?
Coolant Issues
One of the most common causes of engine overheating is a lack of coolant. Coolant is responsible for absorbing heat from the engine and dissipating it through the radiator. If the coolant level is low, the engine will not be properly cooled and will overheat.
Another potential coolant issue is a leak. A leak can occur in the radiator, hoses, or water pump. A leak will allow coolant to escape, which will lead to a loss of coolant and overheating.
Radiator Issues
The radiator is responsible for dissipating heat from the coolant. If the radiator is damaged or clogged, it will not be able to properly cool the coolant and the engine will overheat.
Some common radiator issues include:
- Leaks
- Clogged tubes
- Damaged fins
Water Pump Issues
The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine. If the water pump fails, the coolant will not be able to circulate and the engine will overheat.
Some common water pump issues include:
- Leaking seals
- Bearing failure
- Impeller damage
Head Gasket Failure
A head gasket is a seal between the cylinder head and the engine block. If the head gasket fails, coolant can leak into the cylinders and cause the engine to overheat.
Some common symptoms of a head gasket failure include:
- White smoke from the exhaust
- Coolant in the oil
- Overheating
Other Causes
In addition to the most common causes listed above, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to engine overheating. These include:
- A faulty thermostat
- A clogged catalytic converter
- A problem with the cooling fan
- Driving in hot weather
- Towing a heavy load
What to Do If Your Engine Is Overheating
If your car engine overheats, it is important to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause serious damage.
Once you have pulled over, you should check the coolant level. If the coolant level is low, add coolant until the reservoir is full. You should also check for leaks in the radiator, hoses, and water pump.
If the coolant level is full and there are no leaks, you should have your car towed to a mechanic. A mechanic will be able to diagnose the cause of the overheating and repair it.
