Does your car have an overheating problem? When ignored, the problem could lead to chronic issues such as engine knocks. The article below discusses a few reasons why vehicles overheat and how to prevent these problems.
Radiator
Your radiator should be your first suspect once the temperature gauge begins to rise. Low coolant levels affect the engine's cooling mechanism, thus causing your engine to overheat. There are various reasons why your vehicle could have low coolant levels. Other than failure to top up the coolant, you could also be dealing with a leak. For instance, a loose radiator cap or hose or a damaged radiator will leak the coolant. Leaks are catastrophic since they reduce the pressure of the cooling system, hence increasing the boiling point of the coolant. Therefore, the engine will automatically overheat.
If you drive offroad or live in a dusty area, your radiator will accumulate dust and clog. This makes it difficult for the coolant to move through the system, so the engine will overheat. An experienced mechanic will repair the car radiator. However, if the damage is extensive, consider purchasing a new radiator. Prevent radiator damage by installing a sump guard in your vehicle.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a small device that regulates the flow of coolant in the engine. It prevents coolant from entering the engine until the engine reaches optimal temperatures (around 90℃). A faulty thermostat could delay the release of coolant or release coolant in small amounts. In such a case, the engine would overheat.
Water pump
The water pump is a device that pumps coolant to the engine and radiator. If faulty, coolant will not flow through the system. As a result, the vehicle will overheat.
So what should you do if your vehicle overheats? Here are a few tips.
Stop the car and open the bonnet. Inspect the cooling system for leaks. You would be looking for a hissing sound from the radiator cap, hoses or the radiator. Top up the coolant levels. Leaking hoses or faulty caps can be replaced or repaired with ease. If the problem occurs at night, let the engine cool down as you ask for towing services. In severe circumstances, you could drive to safety (a town or petrol station) once the engine cools down. However, do not push the engine. This will prevent it from reaching ideal temperatures.
Top reasons why your vehicle overheats are radiator problems, thermostat problems and water pump failure. Seek out things like car radiator repair services when your car starts to overheat.
Share17 January 2020
Cars are wonderful things. Unfortunately, they also have lots of technology and moving parts which can go wrong if they are not properly cared for. We hope that this blog will give you all of the info you need to service your car. We will be looking at subjects such as how to change the oil in an engine, how to replace a worn brake pad, and how to check the electrical systems on your vehicle. Everything you read on this page has been written by keen amateurs who have a really big passion for servicing their autos. We hope you love what you find here.
