Why Is My Car Overheating?

Why Is My Car Overheating?

While every car will have a normal temperature, generally, you can expect that to sit between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re taking on your commute from Provo to Lehi and notice that your temperature gauge is reading above normal, you’ll want to pull over. This may lead you to ask, is my car overheating?” As you search for car overheating causes, it’s important that you do not drive your car. Driving a car that’s overheating is hazardous and can lead to major, expensive repairs. Read on below with our expert service team to learn what causes a car to overheat. If you need immediate guidance, contact us right away.

What Causes a Car to Overheat?

An overheating car is a clear signal that your vehicle has a major issue. Here are some of the most common car overheating causes:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – In many cases, a leak in the cooling system is the culprit behind a car overheating. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all components of the cooling system, all of which can start to leak.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – If the incorrect coolant was put in your vehicle or an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper) was used, your engine is more likely to overheat.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – Another possible problem is an accumulation of dirt or debris in your cooling system.
• There’s an issue with the radiator – Radiator malfunctions are another major reason why cars overheat. There could be a blockage, leak, or problem with your radiator fan.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – Your water pump sends engine coolant throughout the entire cooling system. Your overheating may be caused by a leak or a shifted pump shaft.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Unfortunately, cars rarely overheat at a convenient time, so you’ll need to be ready to act when your vehicle starts running hot. First, you’ll want to turn off the AC if it’s in use and run the heat at full blast. It may be uncomfortable, but it will pull heat from the engine block and help cool things down. When you’re able, pull over to a safe location. You’ll want to wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to pop the hood by hand, as the excess heat could cause an injury. To maintain your safety, it’s best to call a tow service at this point. From there, you will be escorted to the service center of your choice.

Turn to the Orem Toyota Service Department!

If you’re still asking, “Why is my car overheating?” schedule service with our Orem team. Our trained technicians can quickly diagnose your car overheating causes and get you back on the Draper streets in no time. Rely on us to help you discover what causes a car to overheat for a fair price. What’s more, you can make use of our service coupons for added savings with each visit!