You don’t need us here at Miller Brothers Auto Repair to tell you that your car shouldn’t overheat all the time. You already know that. What you might not know is the reason why your engine is running too hot. The problem most likely lies in the cooling system, but it could also be a problem with your motor oil, the fuel pump, or a cracked gasket or manifold. Let’s focus on the cooling system in this blog post. Here are common cooling system problems that make your car, truck, or C/SUV overheat.
Cooling System Clogs or Leaks
If the cooling system is clogged, such as a clogged radiator hose, the coolant may not circulate completely through the engine and this will cause overheating. The cooling system can also leak coolant out of worn hoses, the water pump, or the radiator. Leaking causes low coolant levels and overheating.
Problems With the Coolant
The coolant must be the right type for your engine and diluted properly, or you run the risk of the engine getting too hot. Make sure you always have plenty of clean coolant in the system and only use the coolant type recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Problems With the Radiator Fan
After the coolant circulates through the engine to draw heat away from it, it returns to the radiator where it is cooled down by a radiator fan. You hear this fan turn on when your engine starts to get hot. A dead radiator fan will not run and, as a consequence, it will not reduce the coolant’s temperature.
Problems With the Radiator Inlet
Air inlets also help the fan cool the hot engine coolant. Over time, these inlets can be clogged by dirt and debris that make their way into your engine. Sometimes, cleaning out the inlets solves the overheating problem and you are good to go once again.
Radiator Corrosion and Leaks
The radiator itself might also cause your vehicle’s engine to overheat all the time. If you drive an older automobile with a ton of miles on it, you may be faced with corrosion that is clogging the radiator and eating its way through the bottom. This causes the radiator to leak.
Thermostat Malfunction
The thermostat has an opening through which it releases coolant into the engine. If the thermostat is old and malfunctioning, it might not release the coolant when the engine needs it, and, voila, your engine will overheat.
Water Pump Malfunction
Finally, the water pump is the heart of your vehicle’s cooling system; it circulates the coolant through the engine just like your heart circulates blood through your body. A malfunctioning water pump may be unable to circulate the coolant, leaving your engine without any at all.
Miller Brothers Auto Repair in Somerset, WI, can help. Schedule a service appointment today if your engine is overheating all the time.