Engines generate a significant amount of heat. To maintain control of the situation, your car depends on a cooling system. It pumps the coolant, also known as antifreeze, through the radiator and engine. Once something breaks that cycle, the temperature skyrockets.
The following are the most frequent causes of your engine running hotter than expected:
Low coolant or coolant loss
The coolant (a combination of the antifreeze and water) collects the engine heat and passes it to the radiator, where it is discharged. When coolant levels are low, heat is not able to escape. The heat becomes so much that the metals in your engine expand beyond their size.
Coolant loss can be caused by a leak, which is usually due to:
- A broken hose
- A loose clamp
- A faulty radiator cap
- An aged water pump seal.
Coolant also decomposes over time, particularly with the humid coastal air of Virginia Beach. Old, weak coolant will not absorb heat efficiently.
Whenever you have to fill up coolant regularly, then there is some form of leak that requires a repair and not just a refill. In that case, a Car Repair Virginia Beach VA should be the next thing you seek.
Stuck or failing thermostat
A thermostat is a small valve that opens and closes to maintain the flow of coolant depending on engine temperature. When it is functioning correctly, it keeps the engine warm enough to run efficiently and cool enough to avoid damage.
When a thermostat shuts, it blocks coolant flow in the engine. In a few minutes, the temperature will soar to red. A thermostat that is stuck open maintains the engine at too low a temperature. Thus, it consumes more fuel and may cause carbon to accumulate over time. However, the closed failure is the one that causes the engine to quickly overheat.
Radiator blockage or damage
The coolant gives out the heat to the external air through the radiator. The air moves across the thin metal fins. They carry the heat away from the coolant tubes to the surroundings. The heat cannot escape easily when the fins are:
- Clogged
- Bent
- Corroded.
Exposure to salt in the coastal areas also accelerates the process of corrosion. Even the slightest leak or broken radiator core can severely affect its cooling capacity.
Water pump failure
The central piece in the cooling system is the water pump. It circulates the coolant in the engine, hoses, and radiator in an endless cycle. When it breaks down, the flow is cut off and the temperature rises rapidly.
The frequent points of breakdown are:
- Bearing wear: The impeller shaft vibrates and is no longer able to push the coolant
- Seal failure: The coolant escapes through the pump housing
- Corroded impeller: Corrosion may occur internally on the blades that move the coolant.
A defective water pump will squeak, leak, or even grind and then stop completely. Since it is belt-driven, there is also a possibility of having a problem with the serpentine belt itself.
Radiator fan problems
When the car is not moving fast, the radiator fans get air in the radiator. Once the fan fails, the temperatures rise rapidly, particularly during idle times or traffic jams. This can happen due to:
- A blown fuse
- Faulty relay
- Broken motor
- Faulty wiring.
No airflow implies no cooling.
Head gasket failure
A failure of the head gasket causes the combustion gases to mix with the coolant. This causes quick overheating. It may occur either slowly (leakage) or quickly (blown gasket).
When the head gasket is damaged, the hot exhaust gases will find their way into the cooling system. This will cause the coolant to overflow through the overflow tank or the radiator cap. In the meantime, some coolant might spill into the combustion chambers and burn away as white smoke through the exhaust.
This is among the most dangerous causes of overheating. It can irreparably damage the engine unless corrected in time.
Warning signs:
- White exhaust smoke
- Milky oil (oil mixed with coolant)
- Fast loss of coolant without a visible leak.
Air pockets in the cooling system
When the air is trapped within the cooling system, it will not allow the flow of the coolant. It happens when changing the coolant. These air pockets form hot spots in the engine, which may lead to local overheating. However, it may appear okay on the gauge initially.
It is essential to bleed the cooling system after maintenance to prevent this problem. Getting your maintenance at a reliable local shop, such as the London Bridge Auto and Transmission Repair Shop Virginia Beach, can prevent such problems.
The takeaway
If your car has been overheating, do not ignore it and continue filling it with coolant, hoping it will disappear. Overheating is nearly always an indication that something more serious is not functioning. The longer you leave it, the greater the chance of irreparable damage to the engine.
Have a reliable mechanic inspect the system. A trustworthy auto repair shop can pressure-test your cooling system, inspect it to identify any internal leaks, and pinpoint the issue.
