General

What Happens When A Car Overheats

Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

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!

Back Next

Recent Blogs

Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

Shaking Car? Here’s What You Should Do.

Driving a car that’s shaking and swaying can be a scary experience. Not only can it make it difficult to control your vehicle, but it can also be a safety hazard. If you’re experiencing this issue, here are a few things you should check to get your car back in good working order:   Check […]
Sep 1st, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

What To Do If You Break Down and Have To Leave Your Car

Sometimes, circumstances arise where you have no choice but to abandon your car. It could be due to a breakdown in a remote location or a sudden emergency that requires you to leave your car behind. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should do when abandoning your car: Take all necessary belongings […]
Aug 1st, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

How Many Amps Does It Take to Jump-Start a Car?

A dead car battery can be a frustrating experience for any driver. Whether it’s because you left the lights on overnight or the battery has reached the end of its lifespan, you’ll need a jump start to get back on the road. But just how many amps does it take to jump-start a car? The […]
Jul 3rd, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

What Do You Do After A Hit And Run

None of us want to experience the shock and potential trauma of a hit-and-run accident. However, it’s an unfortunate reality that accidents happen all the time with so many cars on the road every day. Do you know what steps to take if you should happen to be involved in one? Knowledge is power, and […]
Jun 1st, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

What Happens When A Car Overheats

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 […]
May 1st, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

Tips for Driving in the Rain

Here in the South, the weather is rather unpredictable. One moment, the sky is blue, with maybe a few clouds here and there. The next minute, everything grows dark as giant clouds block out the sunlight, and then … it starts raining. If you have to drive in these conditions, it can be one of […]
Apr 6th, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

Our Relationship With Dorsey Tire

We love to hear from our customers, especially partners who have been with us for a while. Michael Plamondon, from Dorsey Tire, recently sat down with us to express how we have impacted him and his company. He has been with his company for twelve years and now serves as a sales manager and head […]
Mar 3rd, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

10 Common Causes of Overheating

When your vehicle overheats, it can be a scary experience. Most people don’t know what to do or how to fix the problem. Not only is it an inconvenience, but it can also be dangerous. In extreme cases, an overheated engine can catch fire. To avoid this nightmare scenario, it’s important to be aware of […]
Feb 3rd, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

Is A Quality Towing Service Worth It?

When your car breaks down, the last thing you want to do is entrust it to a towing company that doesn’t have your best interests at heart. When faced with an unexpected breakdown or car accident, you need to know who to call to avoid poor towing services that can do more harm than good. […]
Jan 2nd, 2023 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

What to Do If You Hit a Deer

If you are driving in the Savannah, GA area, and you hit a deer, don’t panic. There are a few things that you can do to make the situation easier for both you and the deer.   Be Prepared To avoid hitting a deer, it is important to be prepared when driving in areas where […]
Dec 1st, 2022 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

What Happens When Your Car is Totaled

If your car is totaled, it’s important to know what to do. Here at Tim’s Towing, we offer heavy-duty tow truck services for vehicles that have been in accidents or are otherwise unable to be driven. We’re here to help you through this difficult time!   Assess and Call for Help As with any accident, […]
Nov 1st, 2022 | by Chad Yarborough
Heavy Duty Towing Companies Savannah GA

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

Oh no! You’ve had an accident. What should you do first? Many people find it hard to think logically when involved in an accident. For this reason, it is essential to have a plan in place that protects you and your car before an auto accident occurs.   What Can You Do to Protect Yourself? […]
Oct 4th, 2022 | by Chad Yarborough