An overheating car engine is always alarming. In this article we will review why car engine overheat and what you can do about it.
What causes a car to overheat while driving?
Many drivers think that a car’s engine temperature tends to reach dangerous degrees in the summer due to the exterior temperature. While this can be a contributing factor, chances are there are other factors that are causing your car’s engine to overheat.
Many issues can cause a car engine to begin overheating as you’re driving. The hoses may be blocked due to mineral deposits and corrosion.
There may also be leaks present in the cooling system, especially if your antifreeze and water levels are always low.
Broken water pumps and radiator issues may also be the cause of the engine overheating.
Regular wear and tear can cause gaskets, rubber hoses, and water pumps to develop leaks.
This requires the parts to be replaced to restore the operation of the engine.
Performing regular maintenance and scheduling inspections with a mechanic can allow potential issues to be uncovered to reduce the risk of the car overheating.
There may also be a more serious issue with the engine if your antifreeze and water levels appear to be normal.
How can I stop my car from overheating while driving?
If you’re driving and the car overheats, there are a few steps to take to restore its operation and prevent the problem from escalating.
Immediately turn off the air conditioner, which will reduce how much strain the fan is placed on the engine.
Turn the heater on to the highest setting to take the heater away from the engine and direct it into the cabin.
You can also try to stay off of the brake pedal as much as possible.
Experts also recommend pulling over to the side of the road when the car is overheating. If you can pull over and open the hood of your car carefully.
Be careful, it will be hot and you don’t want to burn yourself.
This allows excess engine heat to dissipate. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for any helpful information.
Call a tow truck to take it to a mechanic to prevent further damage from forming.
Can I drive my car after it overheats?
Avoid driving your car when there are signs that it’s overheating and the temperature gauge moves to hot. Immediately find a safe place to stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
Driving for a few more minutes can cause significant damage to the engine and can result in thousands of dollars in damage.
How long should you wait to drive an overheated car?
It’s important to avoid driving an overheated car. If the overheating issue doesn’t seem to be severe and is in the beginning stages, then you can attempt to drive it to a local mechanic to obtain the necessary repairs.
The car may be capable of driving a few more miles if the temperature gauge is in the normal mark.
Many engines can still operate well when they’re warmer rather than if they’re too cold.
You can also attempt to let the engine cool down for 20 to 30 minutes after you pull over.
Avoid opening the radiator cap for at least 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, look at the coolant level and pour in coolant mix before getting back on the road and taking it to get inspected. Plain water may do the trick in a bind. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s guidance.
How much does it cost to fix overheating car?
The average cost to fix a vehicle that is overheating is $500 to $1,500, depending on the severity of the issue.
The overall cost depends on how many parts need to be replaced, which includes the head gasket, radiator, and water pump.
If you drive a model that has a diesel or specialty engine, then you can expect to pay more.
If the overheating issue is due to a coolant leak, then the cost will tend to be lower and more affordable to repair.
The cost will also be higher if you take the vehicle to a dealership rather than a privately owned business.
How do I know if my engine is damaged from overheating?
When your car overheats, there are a few signs that damage has already occurred and that repairs are needed to restore the operation of the engine.
The seals may be melted or cracked. The head gasket can also crack when the engine reaches high temperatures.
A hose may be blown off the clamp, or the pistons swell. These issues lead to damage to the bore.
In some cases, the damages can cause the engine to be irreparable, which can require replacing the entire engine.
Can low oil cause overheating?
Low oil is one of the most common causes of a car overheating. The coolant level may be at the normal range.
If you fail to top off the oil in the engine or there’s a leak present, it can prevent the engine from having the ability to cool down.
The oil that is present can minimize friction as the parts operate and have contact with each other.
If there isn’t enough oil present, the engine can’t maintain its temperature, especially when you’re driving long distances.
How do you know a thermostat is bad?
There are a few signs that your thermostat isn’t reliable.
You may notice the temperature gauge is reading high the first 15 minutes that you start driving. The temperature may also change erratically.
The temperature may read too low and then read too high within a few minutes.
You may also notice there are coolant leaks present under the car or around the thermostat housing.
If you notice any of these issues, a mechanic will need to inspect the thermostat to determine if it is malfunctioning. Fortunately, thermostats are fairly simple and inexpensive to replace.
Can I drive a car without a thermostat?
Removing a thermostat or using a broken thermostat while driving your vehicle can cause the engine to overheat.
Removing the thermostat can remove the restriction. A lot of coolant can flow, and the engine can fail to reach its optimal operating temperature.
This can trick the engine into assuming that there are cold temperatures outside, which leads to pushing additional fuel engine the engine.ed content goes here!
