Overheating is a typical car problem every car owner experiences once in a while, and if adequate care and precaution are not taken, damage can be permanent. Today’s cars are built with engines that are durable and long-lasting. However, if the heat generated by your motor is beyond the average operating temperature, the devices built to contain such heat, like your car’s cooling system, may become faulty. This can lead to permanent damage to not only your car’s engine but the seals, gaskets, and hoses.

Causes of Overheating in Vehicles

Overheating is a sign that there is something wrong with your car’s cooling system and below are common causes of overheating in vehicles:

Step 1. Faulty Thermostat

A thermostat helps keep the coolant from entering the engine until the engine has warmed up. This allows your car engine to reach operating temperature quicker. If the thermostat gets broken, it will not open to allow the coolant to get into the engine.

Step 2. Broken Water Pump

A coolant is comprised of water and anti-freeze. A faulty water pump disrupts the flow of the coolant into your engine. On the other hand, a water pump pumps the coolant via the engine, absorbing the heat in the engine.

Step 3. Broken or Bad Hoses

The hoses act as pathways that allow the coolant to move to the engine and radiator. A damaged or clogged hose causes the coolant to leak.

Step 4. Damaged Radiator

A faulty radiator causes your coolant to become warm because the radiator is the device that cools your coolant. While radiators can be repaired, it is often advisable to change them.

Steps to Take When Your Car Overheats

Regardless of how sophisticated the engine is, overheating is an inevitable car problem that can occur at any time. The first sign of overheating is smoke coming from the front of your vehicle. In such instances, you need to take the following steps to manage the situation and avoid damages:

Step 1. Pull Over

Driving while your car is overheating can lead to permanent damage to your car’s engine. The first step to take whenever you notice steam coming out from the front of your vehicle is to pull over to a safe area and turn off your car. Only continue with the journey if you have been able to salvage the situation.

Step 2. Turn on the Heater

If your car is overheating, turning on the heater helps draw the warmth from the engine into the passenger compartment, reducing the burden on the car’s engine cooling system.

Step 3. Open All the Car Windows

Opening the windows helps to release as much heat as possible away from the car. This helps reduce the amount of heat built up within the passenger compartment.

Step 4. Call for Assistance/Drive to a Service Station

The next step is to reach out for roadside assistance, or where the situation is manageable, you can drive to the nearest service station. While driving, ensure to monitor the temperature gauge and steam under the car.

Overheating is a common car problem that requires urgent attention to avoid permanent damages to your car’s engine. We hope you find the above steps helpful in such cases!