Why Is My Car Overheating?

If you’re asking, “Why is my car overheating?”, chances are you’re dealing with a stressful situation. While every vehicle has a range for what’s considered a “normal” temperature, most cars operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice that your vehicle is running hot, do not attempt to drive. Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so, and allow your vehicle to cool off. Below, you can review our tips to understand what it means when a car overheats and what to do when your car is running too hot.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

When your car is overheating, it’s a sign that there’s a much bigger issue that needs attention. If you’re wondering, “Why is my car overheating?”, a few common causes include:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system: In many cases, a leak within the cooling system can lead to an overheating car. Components within the system that are susceptible to leaks include the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing.
• There’s a problem with your coolant: If you added the wrong coolant to your vehicle, or the coolant-to-water ratio is off, your engine is more likely to overheat. A water-to-coolant ratio of 50/50 is proper.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose: Another possible culprit could be the coolant hose. This hose has plenty of opportunities to get clogged by dirt and road debris.
• There’s an issue with the radiator: Radiator problems are commonly found to be behind an overheating car. There may be a blockage, leak, or broken fan within the system that is causing things to heat up.
• Your car’s water pump is broken: Your car’s water pump sends engine coolant through the system. If the pump is leaking or faulty, overheating can occur.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that your vehicle won’t overheat until your commute from Lincoln to Omaha is already underway. If you’re driving and notice your engine starts to heat up, turn off the air conditioner right away. You’ll want to turn on the heat at full blast instead. While it may be uncomfortable, it will pull heat from the engine block. Next, find a safe place to pull over. Wait at least 30 minutes before you attempt to pop the hood, otherwise, you could burn yourself from the excess heat. If you’re stuck on the side of the road in Seward with an overheating engine, your best bet is to call a tow truck and have your vehicle taken to your preferred mechanic for an inspection.

You Can Count on the Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Service Department!

If you end up with a car that’s running too hot, you can trust the team here at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to get you back on the Crete streets in a fully-restored vehicle. We’re your go-to source for service guidance and support. Not only can we care for your vehicle, but we can teach you how to jump-start your car and even how to check your transmission fluid! Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to take the stress out of owning a vehicle!