Troubleshooting an Overheating Car: What Can You Do
Last Thursday, we talked about high temperatures–not just the sweltering summer weather, but high temperatures in your vehicle causing it to overheat. We’re rounding out our 10 reasons for an overheated engine with our final 5 this week.
Failed serpentine belt
Your serpentine belt powers multiple essential systems, like your cooling system. A failed belt means that your water pump isn’t getting power, so your engine won’t be receiving any coolant.
Blown head gasket
Your head gasket is another vital part of your engine and system. A blown gasket could mean that coolant is entering your engine, where it either burns off or leaks out. As the coolant escapes the system, your engine can overheat.
Failed thermostat
Just like the thermostat in your home, your vehicle’s thermostat controls the temperature in your car’s cooling system, regulating the amount of coolant being circulated. When your thermostat fails, it won’t be able to tell the temperature, and therefore won’t be able to tell how much coolant is needed.
Cracked engine block
Your engine block supports the components of your engine, and a cracked block can cause a coolant leak, preventing circulation. Without the circulation of coolant, your car can overheat.
Clogged cooling system
This cause is just what it sounds like–there’s something in your cooling system clogging the flow of coolant! Whether it’s a bent or broken piece of metal, or debris like dirt, leaves, or other waste, a clogged system isn’t going to run correctly and will overheat your car!
When Honest Wrenches helps you with your overheating car, the first thing the technician will do is assess your system to find the starting point. They’ll deal with low or leaky coolant, conduct pressure tests, and inspect your system’s components like belts and hoses. After a thorough inspection, diagnosis, and repair, we’ll get you back on the road.