Why Is My Car Overheating?

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a new car or one of our quality used vehicles, seeing the temperature gauge climb into the red zone is never a good sign. Have you been asking: Why is my car overheating? It’s essential to act quickly to avoid costly engine damage. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or cruising through Milledgeville, engine overheating can strike when you least expect it. Fortunately, the certified technicians at Five Star Automotive Group are here to help. Visit our service department today to get expert diagnostics and affordable solutions.

Reasons for Car Overheating

Overheating is a clear signal to you that there is a bigger issue to take care of. See the common reasons your car may be overheating below to learn what causes a car to overheat, so you can prevent this from happening: 

• 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 into your cooling system while driving. Unfortunately, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose. 

• There’s an issue with the radiator: A blockage, leak, or any other radiator issue can cause your 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.

If you’re still unsure why your car is overheating, our service team can run a complete inspection to pinpoint the problem and get you back on the road safely.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Unfortunately, your car may not overheat until you’ve already hit the road. If this happens, here’s what to do when your car overheats to prevent further damage and maintain safety for you and everyone else on the road.

If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it off and run your heat at full blast instead. It may be uncomfortable, but this helps pull heat off your engine. Next, turn on your hazard lights, safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as you can, and stop driving. Don’t attempt to operate the hood by hand for at least 30 minutes or until it is cool to prevent burns from the hot hood, engine components, or escaping steam/smoke. Once it is safe to do so, pop the hood, as this, plus your hazard lights, warn other drivers that your vehicle is stationary.

Now that you’re relatively safe and have done your due diligence to maintain road safety, the next thing to do is call a towing service to pick your car up and bring it to your mechanic of choice.

Choose Five Star Automotive Group for Car Maintenance & Repair

Tired of dealing with constant car issues or searching for the reasons for a car overheating? It might be time for an upgrade. Explore our new inventory and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the Five Star exclusive lifetime warranty on all new vehicle purchases. From dependable service to unbeatable value, we’re here to keep you moving forward. Schedule your service or test drive appointment today.