Why is My Car Overheating?

Whether your vehicle is brand-new or gently used, an overheated car can certainly be frightening, but there’s no need to panic. Fisher Acura has all of the information you need to understand why your car is overheating, from reasons a car would overheat to what to do when you encounter the situation. Don’t hesitate to contact the technicians at our service center near Golden for anything else you need. Below, we answer the question: Why is my car overheating?

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

What causes a car to overheat varies, but no matter what, it’s a clear signal that there’s a larger issue at hand that you need to address. So, what does it mean when your car overheats? Below are a few reasons a car would overheat.

• Cooling System Leak: The most common cause of your car overheating is a leak in the cooling system. All components within the cooling system — radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing — are all susceptible to leaks.

• Coolant Issue: Your engine may be prone to overheating if the wrong type of coolant was added to your vehicle, or if you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio. Typically, 50/50 is the ratio you want to achieve.

• Coolant Hose Blockage: There are plenty of opportunities for dirt and debris to enter your cooling system, which unfortunately may cause blockages in the coolant hose and in turn prompt overheating.

• Radiator Issue: Whether it’s a blockage, leak, or a broken radiator fan, trouble with a radiator is another common reason a car would overheat.

• Broken Water Pump: The water pump sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system. A broken water pump, then, results in higher temperatures in the engine and ultimately, overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Usually, you won’t know that your car is overheating until you’re already on Thornton roads. The temperature gauge on your dashboard may shoot up, indicating overheating, or you may notice smoke emitting from the hood of the car. Follow these instructions on what to do when a car overheats.

1. If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it off and switch to running the heat at full blast. It may be uncomfortable, but it pulls heat away from the engine.
2. Pull over when you can safely do so.
3. Do not attempt to pop the hood of your car, at least for 30 minutes.
4. Call a towing provider to bring your vehicle to Fisher Acura for immediate service.

Count on the Fisher Acura Service Center

Why is my car overheating? We’re ready to help you figure out what it means when your car overheats and get you back on Fort Collins roads safely. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, and check out our service coupons to find out how you can save on maintenance and repairs with us.