Why Is My Car Overheating?

From cooling system leaks to radiator issues, there are lots of reasons a car would overheat. Most vehicles have a “normal” spot for the temperature gauge to sit, and it’s important to take note of where yours should be when all is well. Most cars operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your car’s gauge is reading much higher than normal (after giving it a few minutes to adjust on a hot Stephenville day), don’t drive it. Doing so can put you and other drivers in danger, and will create more serious and more costly issues in the near future.

Learn more about what causes a car to overheat with the service experts at Bayer Auto Group, and contact us if you have questions.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

If your car overheats in Brownwood, you should consider it a clear sign that there’s a bigger issue to address. Take a look at the most common reasons a car would overheat:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – Oftentimes, a cooling system leak is the culprit. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all components of the cooling system that are vulnerable to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – If the wrong coolant was put in your car, or your coolant-to-water ratio (should be 50/50) is off, your engine may be more likely to overheat.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – It’s quite easy for dirt and debris to get in your cooling system, causing blockages in the coolant hose, which can make your engine overheat.
• There’s an issue with the radiator – Radiator issues are incredibly common and will quickly cause a car to overheat. There may be a blockage, a leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – Engine coolant is sent through the cooling system by the water pump. If yours fell victim to a leak or a shifted pump shaft, your car is susceptible to overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

While it would be more convenient for your car to overheat in your driveway rather than on the road in Abilene, we all know that the latter situation is more common. If it happens to you and your air conditioning is on, turn it off right away and instead run the heat at full blast. You’ll be uncomfortable, but this helps to pull heat off the engine. When you can pull over safely, do not attempt to pop the hood by hand for at least 30 minutes. Calling a towing service to pick up your car and bring it to a service center is the best option to keep yourself and nearby drivers safe.

Turn to Bayer Auto Group for Additional Help!

The factory-trained service techs at Bayer Auto Group are well-equipped to get your car running like new again if it overheats. Is your vehicle overdue for routine maintenance? Schedule an appointment with us, and check out our rotating service specials for savings on oil changes, tire rotations, and more. Your vehicle is far less likely to overheat if you keep up with its regular maintenance schedule, so visit us in Comanche today!