We’ve all been there. You’re driving along in an older car, and suddenly you notice that your heat gauge is all the way in the red. Steam starts to billow out of the hood of your car, and you’ve got to pull over, and figure out what’s going on.
There are many reasons that cars can overheat in the summer. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 causes of overheating, and how you can repair your vehicle – and keep yourself driving in style all summer long.
1. Leaks In The Cooling System
There are many areas in the cooling system of your vehicle that could spring a leak, so this is the most common cause of engines overheating. When a leak occurs, coolant can’t flow to critical engine parts, which causes heat to build up, without being released by the radiator.
Common areas that can spring a leak include:
- Radiator
- Water pumps
- Hoses
- Head gaskets
- Thermostat housings
If one of these systems springs a leak, your car will likely overheat while driving. It’s usually hard to locate every area that may have a leak on your own, so we recommend consulting with a mechanic.
2. Coolant Problems
Your coolant can cause engine overheating even if there are no major leaks in your coolant system. For example, if you’re using the wrong type of coolant for your car, or the coolant-to-water ratio is not correct, your engine could have problems staying cool.
If your car has been operating without overheating during the cooler months, but begins to overheat as it warms up, this could be a sign that you’re not using the right coolant. Flush your system and add the proper mix, or visit a mechanic to have your car’s coolant system serviced.
3. Blocked Or Restricted Hoses
If there are no leaks, and the coolant that you are using is the right type for your vehicle, the next most common cause of engine overheating is blocked hoses.
Your car goes through a lot day-to-day, and picks up dirt, debris, road sediment, and other such foreign materials. If you don’t seal your coolant compartment properly, this debris can get mixed into your coolant, and sent through your hoses – causing a block, or severely restricting the flow of coolant.
This is also a simple fix. All you have to do is get your coolant system flushed. Doing so will likely dislodge any dirt or sediment that is present in your hoses, and restore the functionality of your engine.
4. Radiator Issues
Radiators can develop a number of problems, especially if they are older. If your radiator is leaky, clogged, bent/damaged, or if the radiator fan is not operating properly, heat won’t be able to escape your vehicle properly – causing overheating.
If you suspect that your radiator is faulty, you won’t be able to fix it on your own. You need to consult with a mechanic for a thorough inspection, to understand the cause of the radiator problem, and the proper fix for your particular issue.
5. Broken Or Damaged Water Pump
The water pump helps pump coolant and water throughout your cooling system – as the name implies. If the water pump becomes damaged, or is malfunctioning, your car will start to overheat very quickly. Some of the most common issues with water pumps include:
- Leaks in the pump
- Shifting in the pump shaft
- Eroded impeller vanes
- Loose water pump pulley
- Damaged bearings
Any of these issues can cause engine overheating. Bring your car into a service centre to determine the cause of water pump failure, and have it fixed!
Get Your Car Repaired Right Away – Overheating Can Cause Severe Damage!
If you let your car overheat multiple times, you can damage the gaskets, engine block, and other critical components of your engine. So stay cool this summer – bring your vehicle into the Ride Time service centre today, and make sure that you are not at risk of overheating on your next Canadian road trip!
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