Why Is My Car Overheating?

No one wants to be the driver on the side of the road with smoke or steam rolling from under their car’s hood, crying, “Why is my car overheating?” Driving an overheating car can be dangerous, so the driver on the side of the road has the right idea. You can prevent this happening to you when you know why your car is overheating, and what to do when a car overheats. The service department at Executive Chevrolet can help you keep your cool when you car can’t.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

An overheating car in North Haven or Meriden is usually a symptom of another problem. These issues can be reasons a car would overheat:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – This is the most common cause of your car overheating. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all components of the cooling system, and all can be susceptible to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – If the wrong coolant was put in your car, or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine may be prone to overheating.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – There are plenty of opportunities for dirt and debris to get in your cooling system on Cheshire roads which can block the hose and be the reason why your car is overheating.
• There’s an issue with the radiator – A radiator blockage, a leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan can cause a car to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – The water pump sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system. Yours may be suffering from a leak or a shifted pump shaft, both of which often cause overheating.

What to Do When Your Car Overheats

Cars usually overheat while they’re being driven, which means you have to take action quickly. While it sounds counterintuitive, the first thing you need to do is turn off your air conditioning and turn on the heat as high as it will go. It might be uncomfortable, but it will help cool the engine.

Next, pull over as soon as you have a safe place to do so. Wait at least 30 minutes before you open the hood so you don’t get burned. This is the right time to call your roadside assistance provider or a tow truck. Have them bring you to our service center to diagnose the root problem that caused your car to overheat.

Learn More About Your Car with Executive Chevrolet

Understanding the reasons why your car might overheat can help you stay calm and handle the situation safely. If you’d like more information about how your vehicle operates and ways you can help maintain it, visit our service hub. Or, if you’re having an issue with your vehicle, schedule an appointment with us.