Imagine that you’re driving your car one day, and it suddenly starts making a strange noise, then steam begins pouring out of the hood. The vehicle stalls as you pull over, and you quickly kill the engine. Your engine has overheated, but why?
There are several reasons a car may overheat, which we will discuss in detail below. It is common for cars to overheat in the summertime, but this is not always the case. Here are the most common causes of automobile overheating:
- Low Engine Coolant – Most cars use a cooling liquid called “coolant,” a mixture of antifreeze and water. When the cooling system works normally, the coolant will soak up the heat and prevent your car from getting too hot. However, when the coolant is running low, the engine can overheat. If the metal gets hot enough, a piston can attach itself to the cylinder, which could ruin your engine.
- Malfunctioning Thermostat – Between a car’s engine and radiator is the thermostat. This device blocks the coolant until the engine has reached about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or normal operating temperature. If the thermostat is faulty, the coolant won’t be released, and the car will get hotter and hotter. If this continues, the vehicle may stall, and you will see billows of smoke coming from the engine.
- Broken Water Pump – A water pump moves coolant through a car’s system. If this breaks, the coolant cannot circulate, and the car overheats.
- Damaged Radiator – Tubes in the radiator are responsible for cooling the coolant after it passes through the engine. Usually located at the front of the vehicle, the radiator allows heat to move through the grille while you drive, whisking hot air away. When you stop driving, the radiator keeps the air moving by activating its fans. If anything blocks the radiator or damages the fans, the engine’s temperature will rise.
The professionals at Tim’s Towing & Recovery hope you never experience an overheating engine. However, if it does happen, we provide quality 24-hour Towing Service in Savannah, GA! As a family-owned company, we prioritize safety and always put our customers first. For roadside assistance, heavy-duty towing, and auto transport, call us today at 912-964-6773!
