Have you ever been driving down the road on a perfectly peaceful day when suddenly, your car’s engine temperature begins to skyrocket, your engine begins to steam, and you’re forced to pull over to the side of the road and pop the hood?
If so, you’ve likely been the victim of an overheating engine. When this happens, it can ruin your day and your car. That’s why it’s important to understand some of the most common causes of an overheating engine. Check them out right here courtesy of Brian Hoskins Ford.
Coolant System Leaks
Leaks in your car’s coolant system are the number one most common cause of an overheating engine.
Your vehicle’s coolant system is made up of multiple complex parts that work together to keep your car cool when the going gets hot. These parts carry coolant fluid throughout the engine, preventing it from getting too hot under the collar.
Coolant leaks in any of these parts, which may include hoses, the radiator, the heater core, the head gasket, or the freeze plugs can all contribute to an engine overheating.
Bad Thermostat
Did you know that your vehicle has a thermostat to regulate its internal temperature? It’s true! Your car’s thermostat is a key valve in the cooling system that ensures that your coolant is able to pass through the radiator when necessary.
Sometimes, the thermostat can get stuck in a closed position, preventing coolant from smoothly passing through and leading to a dramatic rise in temperature in the engine bay and eventually leading to an overheat.
Bad Radiator Fan
Your car’s radiator fan is responsible for pulling air across the radiator, helping to reduce coolant temperature and keeping fresh air cycling through your car.
When your radiator fan begins to break down, this could lead to a worn fan clutch or a broken fan motor. When this happens, your car will cease to have access to fresh, clean, and cool air, and your engine may begin to overheat.
Bad Water Pump
Your car’s water pump is the heart of its cooling system. Just as your heart pumps blood throughout your body, a vehicle’s water pump is responsible for propelling engine coolant throughout the cooling system of your ride.
Over time, whether it be due to erosion, leaks, or wear, your water pump may start to lack the pressure required to keep the coolant fluid circulating. When coolant fails to reach the necessary parts of your engine, that’s when an overheat is likely to occur.
An overheating vehicle is a sure sign that needs immediate attention. If your vehicle is showing signs of overheating, be sure to give Brian Hoskins’s professional, factory-certified team of automotive service technicians a call as soon as possible.
To schedule your next service appointment with Brian Hoskins Ford, click here, contact us by phone, or stop into our dealership in person today! We’ll do everything we can to assist you, and remember, Nobody Beats Brian!