Car Overheating Causes

Men and women love their cars. Some of them are so obsessed with their cars that they actually take care of their cars like their babies. Now it is obvious that your car will require a monthly maintenance and cleaning to make sure that it runs smoothly and always helps you to have a safe ride. After all your car is a machine and sometimes, machines go bad causing various problems. One of the most common car problems, that owners encounter, is car overheating. This article, on car overheating causes, tells you why your car gets too hot.

Car overheating can ruin a perfect family trip. While driving, you must have seen many times a car parked on the side and smoke coming out from the engine. That's because the engine overheats and the car needs some time to cool off. If you think that a faulty car engine is a potential cause then you're right, but what about when the engine is fine, then what can cause the engine to overheat.

Causes of Car Overheating

If you find that your car is facing overheating problems, it is important that you get to the bottom of this matter. There are lot of things which can be taken into account if your car is facing the problem of car overheating. Some of them have been mentioned below.

Radiator Problem
If your car's radiator is not kept clean properly, then it can contribute to car overheating. The car radiator is attached with fine metal fins on the outside for expanding the cooling surface area. Over time, these fins get clogged with dust, dirt and insects. These fins can be cleaned from the opposite direction which is the back side of the radiator. If you see that the fins have been bent then they can be straightened by a hacksaw blade.

Stuck Thermostat
A stuck thermostat can really cause your car to overheat. It can get stuck or frozen in a close position thus, blocking the smooth flow of the coolant through your car engine. If you want to make sure your thermostat is OK, then it's recommended to feel the upper radiator hose. Once you start the engine, the upper radiator should become warm and if it is not getting hot, that means there's some problem with the thermostat.

Checking Antifreeze
Some customers complain of car overheating while idling. This is because there's improper circulation of the antifreeze. Antifreeze helps in keeping the engine temperature under control in winter by preventing it from freezing. In summer it just does the opposite; it controls the engine overheating in warmer months. It's always recommended to look under your car once a month to see if it's leaving any puddles or stains when it's parked.

Car Overheating when AC is on
If you suffer from a faulty car water pump, then it is quite possible that turning on the car AC can make your car overheat. The water pump is a very important part of your car's interior cooling system. It's mainly responsible for circulating coolant through your engine to cool your car from inside.

Hope, you now understood the various car overheating causes. It's recommend you to keep a small flash light, a bottle of water, antifreeze and brake fluid in your car. Having basic knowledge about these overheating problems can help you save money and a trip to your car garage. If your car still runs hot, take it to a mechanic for a quick check.