
Car engine overheating can be one of the most horrifying experiences. After driving for a couple of hours, you experience smoke coming out from the hood. It is a sign that your engine is overheated. Even if regular servicing like oil changes and seasonal tire change service have been carried out, your engine can face overheating.
Here are the Top 6 Reasons that Cause Engine Overheating While Driving
1. Low Coolant Level
- The most common cause of car overheating is low coolant levels.
- Coolant is the main cooling fluid that your engine relies on for cooling.
- Coolant circulates through the engine and removes heat from it.
- If the coolant reservoir is empty or below the recommended levels, you need to add fresh coolant and top it up.
- A coolant top off can help cool the engine quickly and prevent overheating until you can take the vehicle to a local repair centre, so get coolant levels checked when you go for an oil change.
2. Damaged Radiator
- The radiator is the core of the cooling system.
- It is the place where the coolant gets cooled.
- The temperature of the coolant reduces as it passes through the radiator.
- If the radiator has malfunctioned and is not working properly, the coolant will not be able to cool down, thus resulting in overheating of the engine.
- Clogging and leakage are the two main causes of a faulty radiator.
3. Blocked Radiator Hoses
- When the coolant passes between the engine and the radiator, it moves through the hoses.
- If the coolant in your car is at optimal levels, there is a possibility that the hoses are blocked, cracked, or damaged.
- This may cause the coolant to leak or may result in the improper flow of the coolant, which causes the engine temperature to rise.
- When you get seasonal tire change services also get your radiator hoses inspected.
4. Radiator Fan/Cooling Fan Malfunction
- The main role of the cooling fan is to pull cool air into the radiator when the car is not running at a high speed.
- If your engine is overheating, make sure to check the cooling fan under the hood before an oil change.
- If the car is being driven at a slow speed and the radiator fan is not turning on, it will result in overheating of the engine.
5. Malfunctioned Water Pump
- A water pump propels the coolant through the engine where it absorbs extra heat.
- If the water pump is damaged or not functioning correctly, the coolant flow may get impaired or it may stop flowing completely.
6. Faulty Thermostat
- A thermostat allows the coolant to enter the engine only once it has warmed up sufficiently.
- A broken or faulty thermostat will not open and the coolant won’t be able to enter the engine when it has to.
- This leads to the engine overheating.
If you have been the victim of a car overheating while driving on the road, it is best to take your car to UrbanLube to get it inspected. In addition to engine overheating problems, Urban Lube takes care of oil changes and provides seasonal tire change services as well. Contact us now!