Facing sudden car overheating or experiencing it repeatedly even after replacing parts? No problem! We will discuss all the possible reasons for car overheating and their solutions in detail.
A major problem is overheating, especially while you are trying to reach somewhere. It can also be confusing for car owners. Let’s take a close look at all the reasons behind vehicle overheating and their effective remedies. Many other errors come in front of you during fixation, like the battery light is on; in such a case, always charge it; a reset might help. If still in trouble, learn more about why the battery light is on and how to fix it
Common Reasons of Car Overheating
Some common reasons have been noticed:
Leakage of Coolant
First of all, check if your coolant is leaking or not. This is the first reason for car overheating if your vehicle frequently loses coolant. Inspect for any leakage. If your car does not have the optimum quantity of coolant, it may lead to potential overheating and damage.
Solution: Diagnose any leaks in the coolant system of the car. Get it fixed by a qualified mechanic if you notice a leak.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat allows the circulation of coolant after detecting the engine temperature. If the engine is cold, it stops the coolant circulation, and when the engine heats up, it starts the circulation. It is essential to the engine’s continued smooth operation. If you have enough coolant but your car is still overheating, a malfunctioning thermostat may be the cause.
Solution: To keep the engine of your car running smoothly, replace the outdated and broken thermostat.
Water Pump Failure
A mechanism called a water pump moves coolant through the engine’s vital components. If it is not functioning properly, it may cause the car to overheat.
Solution: Replace the water pump if it is not working properly. If you have recently changed it, check whether it is correctly installed.
Broken or Malfunctioning Cooling Fans
Cooling fans are crucial in preventing your engine from overheating. They help cool the engine at low speeds or when the AC is running. If they malfunction, the engine temperature will not be regulated properly, leading to overheating.
Solution: Check whether your cooling fans are working properly. Inspect their wires and relays to ensure optimal performance.
Air Pockets in the Cooling System
If everything seems fine, trapped air in the cooling system could be causing trouble for the engine. Trapped air prevents proper coolant circulation, which is why you may notice fluctuations in the temperature gauge.
Solution: Trapped air can also affect heater performance, causing it to blow cold air instead of hot air. Another possible cause of air pockets in the cooling system is a malfunctioning water pump. Examine and replace the pump as needed.
Clogged Heater Core
A clogged heater core can be a potential risk for increasing the engine temperature. The heater core may become obstructed by dirt and debris, which would limit coolant flow and result in overheating.
Solution: If required, repair the heater core or clean it using an air compressor.
The head gasket separates the coolant passages from the cylinders. Coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and burns off if it fails, lowering the coolant level and leading to overheating. A bad head gasket can cause coolant to leak into the engine, which may result in smoke coming from the exhaust. Additionally, bubbling coolant can be a sign of a worn-out head gasket.
Solution: The only solution is to replace the head gasket, as it is extremely important for the engine’s proper functioning.
Faulty Temperature Sensor
Sometimes, faulty temperature sensors provide incorrect readings. Your car might be running at a stable temperature, but a malfunctioning sensor may falsely indicate overheating.
Solution: First, check if the temperature sensor is working properly. To ensure precise readings, replace it if it’s defective.
Specific Overheating Situations & Their Causes
Overheaing situation and their causes are discussed given below:
Why Is My Car Overheating When Idle?
- Faulty cooling fans
- Clogged radiator
- Low coolant levels
Why Is My Car Overheating When AC Is On?
- Overloaded cooling system
- Malfunctioning condenser fan
- Weak water pump
Why Is My Car Overheating in Cold Weather?
- Frozen coolant
- Stuck thermostat
- Faulty radiator cap
Why Is My Car Overheating on the Highway?
- Clogged radiator
- Weak water pump
- Low coolant circulation
Why is My Car Still Overheating After Changing the Thermostat?
- Air pockets in the cooling system
- Faulty radiator or water pump
- Blown head gasket
How to Prevent Car Overheating?
To prevent engine overheating, make sure to follow these important tasks. They will surely help you a lot:
