Whenever you are driving and notice that your engine is running hot, it is a cause for concern. Even if you haven’t seen the telltale sign of smoke or steam billowing out from under your hood, continuing to drive on an overheated engine will only lead to more extensive damage. But why is this happening? You stay on top of your maintenance appointments, you take great care of your vehicle, and you even monitor your driving habits to keep situations like this at bay. Few things could cause even the best-maintained engine to overheat. To find which of these issues are causing your overheating, bring your vehicle to Mike’s Automotive for an inspection.
A Leak in Your Cooling System
Your cooling system is responsible for filtering coolant through the engine to cool it down as it runs. When that coolant is leaking out, the cooling system can’t function. These leaks can be from a rusted radiator, damaged or worn hoses, the head gasket, water pump, or heater core. Wherever the leak is coming from, it is important to get it repaired immediately.
You’re Using the Wrong Coolant
If you use the wrong gasoline or engine oil, it can affect the performance of your engine. If you are using the wrong coolant, it can affect your cooling system’s performance and could even cause your engine to overheat. Consult with one of our technicians to find the coolant is right for your car. And when your reservoir is running low, resist the urge to add water.
Broken Thermostat
Your engine is equipped with a tool that tells the cooling system when it needs to start cooling it down, and that is the thermostat. If your thermostat is broken, it may not alert the cooling system until the engine is already too hot, which will lead to overheating.
Failing Radiator Fan
When the coolant leaves your engine, it is circulated to the radiator, where it is cooled down in preparation to recirculate. If the fan in your radiator is broken or failing, the coolant cannot get to a temperature that is low enough to cool the engine.
Water Pump
The water pump is the cooling system component that actually helps move the coolant to and through the engine. Without it, the coolant is left sitting still. Because the water pump can rust over time, it is not uncommon to spring a leak. Whether your water pump is broken or leaking, it should be attended to immediately.
If your vehicle is overheating, the experts at Mike’s Automotive in Del City, OK, are here to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment or come by and see us.
