Why Is My Car Overheating?

There are multiple reasons a car would overheat, from a leak in the cooling system to an issue with the radiator. Everyone’s vehicle has a “normal” place for their temperature gauge to sit, but most cars tend to operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you start your car and notice the temperature gauge is reading far higher than normal, do not drive the car. Driving an overheating car can put you in danger, and it will only cause bigger, costlier issues down the road. 

Take an in-depth look at what causes a car to overheat with Executive Volkswagen of North Haven below, and contact us if you have any questions.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

An overheated car is a clear signal to you that there is a bigger issue to take care of. Here are the most common reasons overheating might happen:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – Most often, a leak in the cooling system is what’s causing your car to overheat. 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 – The next possible culprit is the coolant hose. There are plenty of opportunities for dirt and debris to get in your cooling system on Meriden roads. Unfortunately, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose. 
• There’s an issue with the radiator – Radiator issues are another common reason a car would overheat. There could be a blockage, a leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan, and all could 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 a Car Overheats

Unfortunately, your car may not overheat until you’ve already hit the road in Stratford. If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it off and instead run your heat at full blast. It may be uncomfortable, but it will help pull heat off your engine. When you’re able to pull over to safety, you should not attempt to pop the hood by hand for at least 30 minutes. The best way to maintain your safety and that of nearby drivers is to call a towing service to pick your car up and bring it to your mechanic of choice.

You Can Count on the Executive Volkswagen of North Haven Service Department!

If your car overheats, you can trust the experienced technicians at the Executive Volkswagen of North Haven service department to get you back on the road in no time. Keeping up with routine maintenance allows you to catch an issue that could cause overheating and act preemptively. Schedule your next service appointment with us, and be sure to take advantage of our applicable service coupons.