The average car lasts about 200,000 miles – which, for the average driver, takes about 12 years. But once your car passes the 100,000-mile mark, it’s common for you to begin seeing issues with the engine.
One of the most common problems is issues with the engine cooling. But what engine overheating causes are at the root of your problem?
If you’re dealing with a hot engine and aren’t sure what the cause is, we’re here to help. Here’s a quick list of possible causes to keep in mind while you look for local mechanics.
1. Low Coolant
Your coolant is responsible for helping to regulate temperatures in your engine. But as your engine runs, coolant can burn away, leak out, or otherwise leave your vehicle.
When this occurs, your coolant will eventually run low, impacting its performance. Always check your coolant first if you’re worried about your engine overheating.
2. Dying Radiator Fans
Your radiator is one of the most important parts of your cooling system. It works to pull heat away from your engine and radiate it outward.
As such, issues with your radiator fans can cause issues with dispersing heat. The end result is a much hotter engine.
3. Worn-down Hoses and Belts
Your engine has plenty of belts, hoses, and other components that help keep everything running. These components work for cooling, conditioning, and charging different systems of the engine. Check any worn-down hoses and belts for a likely culprit.
4. Poor Ventilation
Ventilation allows hot air to escape and cold air to enter your engine. If the ventilation is clogged or otherwise blocked, the hot air stays trapped and only grows hotter. Ensure that your ventilation is all working properly and consider having a mechanic check out the issue.
5. Bad Thermostat
Your thermostat helps to regulate coolant and decide how much needs to enter the engine. If the thermostat fails, it can no longer help to regulate coolant. Therefore, a bad thermostat is often the cause of an overheating or fluctuating engine temperature.
6. Failing Water Pump
The water pump helps to move coolant through your system, letting it absorb heat and circulate through the radiator. If the water pump is no longer pumping, the coolant can’t do its primary function. Have the water pump checked by a professional if you’re dealing with an overheating engine.
7. Leaking Coolant System
Finally, one of the most common causes of low coolant levels or overheating engines is a leak. Always check for a leak first, as it’s one of the most obvious and common issues that can cause an overheated engine.
Engine Overheating Causes and Battling Them
These seven common problems are just a few of the dozens of engine overheating causes. Focus on ventilation, check for leaks, and have your engine checked out by professional mechanics to diagnose your vehicle’s issue.
If you’re in the Madison Heights area and are dealing with an overheating engine, we here at Chrome Auto Repair are happy to help. Our family-owned business has been faithfully providing Virginia with customer-focused service and a wide array of services offered.
Contact us today to see how we can help your engine run better.