Related: Importance Of Car Maintenance
Related: 5 Ways You Are Damaging Your Transmission
Related: Maintaing Your Braking System
What Can Cause Your Car to Overheat?
Recent Posts
Getting Your Car’s Cooling System Under Control
Let’s get you ready for your next road trip. Visit us for a quick service before you head out.
A Leak in the Car’s Cooling System
One of the most common problems is a leak in the cooling system. Another sign that this is your problem, is noticing spots under your car that could be coolant. Your car’s cooling system is a closed system, so if anything is leaking out, you have a problem that needs to be addressed by a mechanic. It could be a worn seal or cracked part, but it will have to be repaired to prevent further major damage. If you suspect a leak is your problem, you can also check the coolant level once your engine has cooled. If your coolant is low, a leak is almost guaranteed to be the culprit.
Using the Wrong Concentration of Coolant
Whether you have topped off your own coolant or recently had a mechanic put fresh coolant in your car, using the wrong concentration can cause your engine to overheat. If this is the case, all of the coolants will have to be flushed and replaced with the proper concentration to prevent your car from overheating again and possibly causing further damage to your engine.
Your Thermostat is Bad
While the engine is running, coolant circulates through the engine and radiator. In order to get from the engine to the radiator, the coolant passes through the thermostat. If the thermostat is stuck in a closed position, the coolant will be stuck in the engine and will start to overheat.
A Bad Radiator or Radiator Fan
Your radiator is responsible for cooling the coolant coming out of your engine. If your radiator has leaks or is clogged, it can lead to your car’s engine overheating. More specifically, the radiator fan is responsible for pulling air across the radiator to help lower the coolant’s temperature. If any part of the radiator fan is wearing out, it may not be able to do this efficiently anymore, also leading to overheating.
Your Water Pump is Wearing Out
The water pump is responsible for pushing coolant through the system. That means if the water pump is wearing out, the coolant will not circulate properly through your car’s engine and radiator. This means it won’t be properly cooled and cycled back to cool the engine back down and the engine will overheat.
What Should You Do If Your Car Keeps Overheating?
It may feel like there’s not much you can do when your engine overheats but there are some ways to minimize any further damage. Some modern cars will automatically shut off the engine before it reaches a point where real damage will occur but there are still some steps you can take to ensure the safety of both you and your car.
Pull to the Side of the Road
If you’re in the middle of rush hour traffic, it can be hard to navigate over to the side of the road, but it’s also that much more important to do so. If your engine is still running, shut it off as soon as you get to the side of the road and let it cool down.
Top Off Coolant if Possible
Unless overheating has been an ongoing problem and you’re aware of a coolant leak, you’re not likely to have coolant on hand. However, if you do have some, it can help to top it off in your car, and doing so may help get you to a mechanic without needing a tow truck. Wait for the engine to cool and then you can lift the hood and add coolant as necessary.
Get Your Car Towed to a Mechanic
Especially if you cannot add more coolant, it’s safest to not try and drive your car again if the engine has overheated. The more you drive while at risk of overheating, the more damage you’re likely to have to the inside of your engine. Find a local mechanic who can give you a tow, such as AAMCO, or use another roadside service to get your car to an auto repair shop.
Trust AAMCO Tallahassee Mechanics with Your Cooling System Repair
When it comes to potentially major repairs, such as your car’s cooling system or engine, it’s especially important to be able to trust the mechanics working on your car. Not only does AAMCO Tallahassee offer free towing to your nearest location, but we also have well-trained and skilled mechanics ready to accurately diagnose and fix the problem.
Recent Posts from our Blog
Dashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean
What’s your car trying to tell you? Dashboard warning lights are one key way your vehicle can communicate any issues that may be flying under the radar. Whether or not you’ve noticed other signs of trouble or a warning light on the dashboard is the first, it can point...
read more
Preventing Engine Overheating
Is your engine’s temperature creeping upward? An overheating engine is no laughing matter. Knowing the steps to take that can help keep your engine cool will also help prevent major damage. Many of the best ways to keep your car’s engine operating smoothly are simple...
read more
Hidden Dangers of Car AC Problems: Expert Tips
When it comes to car repairs, it’s easy for AC problems to fall down your list of priorities. While it’s true they’re less urgent than some other issues, there’s still good reason to have AC repairs handled as soon as possible. Not only does your car’s AC system help...
read more
Dashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean
What’s your car trying to tell you? Dashboard warning lights are one key way your vehicle can communicate any issues that may be flying under the radar. Whether or not you’ve noticed other signs of trouble or a warning light on the dashboard is the first, it can point...
read more
Preventing Engine Overheating
Is your engine’s temperature creeping upward? An overheating engine is no laughing matter. Knowing the steps to take that can help keep your engine cool will also help prevent major damage. Many of the best ways to keep your car’s engine operating smoothly are simple...
read more
Hidden Dangers of Car AC Problems: Expert Tips
When it comes to car repairs, it’s easy for AC problems to fall down your list of priorities. While it’s true they’re less urgent than some other issues, there’s still good reason to have AC repairs handled as soon as possible. Not only does your car’s AC system help...
read more
Guide to Exhaust Leaks: Exhausted & Leaky
Leaks don’t have to bring you down. Whether it’s car fluid drips or a leaky exhaust system, the key to keeping your vehicle healthy — and you safe — is to address possible leaks right away. If you’re dealing with a tight budget or just like to be handy, there are some...
read moreAAMCO Tallahassee, FL
Address:
2516 W Tennessee St
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Call: (850) 200-0815
Directions: Visit us Today
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri: 8:00am to 5:00pm
AAMCO Tallahassee
Transmission & Auto Repair
.