Why Is My Car Overheating?

The engine running in your vehicle can generate quite a bit of heat. To prevent damage from occurring to your engine and other parts of your car during this process, you have a cooling system that will help regulate your vehicle's temperature effectively. At Joe Myers Ford, we stress the importance of routine maintenance to keep up with your vehicle's proper functioning. Still, we can also address any issues you're having with your car regarding overheating.

The Purpose of Your Cooling System

There is coolant fluid that is located within your engine block. This coolant is designed to absorb the heat produced by your engine, and the heat will be released into the atmosphere as you drive. If there is a leak in your cooling system or your coolant levels are low, this is a common cause of your engine overheating.

The Water Pump in Your Cooling System

In the water pump of your automobile, a fan belt runs to help cool down your engine. As your engine continues to run and more heat is produced, centrifugal force will work to keep temperatures maintained. If we see a vehicle experiencing abnormal temperature fluctuations, we'll look closely at the water pump's quality. It's not uncommon for damage to occur over time from wear and tear. We also look for leaks that are allowing water and coolant levels to decrease.

Radiator Function and Fans

The coolant inside your engine will heat up as your engine produces more heat—a radiator hose inside of your engine that is utilized to release any pressure that is building up. Fans work to release this pressure as fluids start to boil. With so many different working parts within your radiator, there's a lot for us to inspect when you bring us a vehicle that is overheating.

Engine Thermostat

Coolant should be throttled as your engine runs to regulate your engine's internal temperature. There is an internal valve that accomplishes this process. Unfortunately, this valve is prone to get stuck open or closed, and it can incur damage just like any other part of your vehicle. These issues often cause overheating to take place.

Hoses and Belts Within Your Engine

Hoses and belts are a series of parts in your engine that will contribute to your engine's temperature. We check to see if everything is fitting together correctly, we look for leaks, and we check the overall quality of your belts and hoses to make sure that everything is working as it should be.

If you would like our technicians to look at your vehicle to see what the cause of your overheating engine is, contact Joe Myers Ford to set up an appointment. You can call us during business hours, and you can also contact us through our website for more information.