Why is My Car Overheating?

One of the most common questions that our service team is asked by drivers is: “Why is my car overheating?” The causes of a car overheating can range from cooling system issues to a malfunction in the radiator. If you notice that your vehicle is running at a high temperature while you’re driving around Prescott, then it’s time to schedule an appointment so that our team can take a deeper dive and find out the reason before a more serious issue arises. Finding out what causes a car to overheat, and what to do when a car overheats, can help when emergency automotive needs to arise, so you can remain safely on the road for years to come. Find out more with Red Wing Chevrolet, and then contact us to speak to our service center today. 

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

So, just what does it mean when your car overheats in Zumbrota? Your car will normally run between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. When you notice your car is above that temperature range, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Here are some of the reasons a car would overheat:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – A cooling system leak is one of the most common reasons a car would overheat. This could be an issue within any part of the cooling system: the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – Your coolant helps regulate the engine temperature, so using the wrong coolant or an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper) can cause major issues.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – If dirt or debris make their way into your coolant hose, this can cause a blockage that prevents coolant from flowing. 
• There’s an issue with the radiator – Another common cause of overheating, your radiator could be malfunctioning. This could mean a blockage, a leak, or any other host of problems.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – The water pump is necessary to move coolant throughout the cooling system, and it may have a leak or malfunction as well.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Now that you know the reasons why a car would overheat, it’s time to talk about what to do when a car does overheat. If you are still at home in Cannon Falls when it begins to overheat, then we recommend scheduling your service appointment immediately. Because there’s no way to know what causes your car to overheat at that moment, it’s important to not drive your vehicle until it is seen by a professional. If you find yourself on the road when your car is overheating, take the following steps:

• Turn off the air conditioning.
• Turn on the heat at full blast to pull heat off the engine.
• Pull over when you can safely do so.
• Do not pop the hood for at least 30 minutes to avoid burns.
• Call a towing service to bring your car to a certified service center immediately.

Get Expert Care with Red Wing Chevrolet

Still need help figuring out why your car is overheating? We’ve run through the basics of what it means when your car overheats, but our technicians can provide a more in-depth diagnostic testing as well as solutions to your problems. So don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle in today for all of your service needs with our expert care.