Common causes and solutions for engine overheating
Car engine overheating is a common problem that can cause serious damage if not addressed immediately. It is important for all drivers to understand what causes car overheating to avoid breakdowns and expensive repairs.
A variety of factors can cause this problem, including coolant leaks, a faulty thermostat, a faulty water pump, or even a clogged radiator. Recognizing the signs early and taking the right measures can help keep your car running smoothly and avoid trouble caused by an overheating engine.
Why does my car engine overheat? A car engine is made up of many parts. Each component complements the others to achieve its intended function. If any part experiences a problem, it affects the whole system.
For example, a car engine has a built-in cooling system. The cooling system is designed to deal with excess heat. However, if it stops working properly, your engine may overheat. Similarly, there may be other reasons why your car engine overheats.
Common Causes of Car Engine Overheating
The main reasons for an engine to overheat are:
1. Lack of coolant
Coolant is a water-diluted antifreeze called ethylene glycol. This solution freezes at a lower temperature than water. Therefore, it is a better coolant than water in cold climates. The role of the coolant is to keep the engine at the right temperature and protect it from overheating. If the coolant does not reach the radiator due to pump failure, blockage, leaks, etc., the engine can overheat.
2. Thermostat failure
The thermostat in your car’s engine regulates the flow of coolant. It ensures that coolant only flows when the engine is warm. When the engine is cold or idling, the thermostat’s main valve remains closed. If for any reason the thermostat cannot regulate the flow of coolant, the engine can overheat.
3. Radiator fan damage
After absorbing heat from the engine, the coolant flows through the radiator. The radiator’s cooling fan releases the heat of the coolant into the air to lower its temperature.
4. Low Engine Oil Level
Your car’s engine oil not only provides lubrication, but it also helps reduce excessive heat in the engine. If your car’s engine oil is low, your engine may get overheated.
5. Expansion Tank Damage
Nearly all vehicles today are equipped with a coolant expansion tank. It regulates the pressure throughout the cooling system. However, if the expansion tank cannot relieve pressure from the radiator, the engine may overheat.
6. Restricted Airflow
The radiator needs sufficient airflow to dissipate heat from the coolant while you are driving. If the grill is blocked with dirt or leaves, the louvers are bent, or the clutch fan is clogged, the airflow through the radiator can be restricted, causing the engine to overheat.
7. Engine overload
Pulling a heavy load, constantly driving in traffic jams, transporting an overloaded load, or climbing steep hills can create excess heat in the engine. Without engine speed to ramp up, this additional stress can tax the cooling system and cause overheating.
8. Leaking or blown head gasket
The cylinder head gasket seals the combustion chamber and prevents engine coolant from escaping. A blown or leaking head gasket can allow coolant to get into the cylinders. This reduces cooling performance and causes the engine to overheat.
9. Water Pump Failure
The water pump circulates engine coolant through the cooling system. If the pump is worn or damaged, it can no longer maintain proper coolant flow. Insufficient coolant circulation due to a failed water pump is a common cause of engine overheating.
10. Clogged Radiator or Condenser Fins
Radiators and condensers use many small fins to dissipate heat. Over time, debris blocks the airflow through these fins. This reduces the heat transfer efficiency of the cooling system. Clogged cooling fins will reduce the cooling performance and cause the engine to overheat.
How to diagnose engine overheating? Identifying the warning signs early can help you protect your car from serious damage. You already know what happens inside your car when it overheats. Now let’s talk about the signs you should notice from the outside to diagnose whether your car engine is overheating.
Signs of an Overheating Car
Here are some signs you can recognize to fix your engine overheating problem as quickly as possible.
1. Hot Hood
It’s normal for your car’s hood to feel warm. However, if it gets extremely hot, it means your engine is putting out excess heat.
2. Temperature Indication Most cars are equipped with a gauge that shows the engine temperature. This indicator is useful for detecting when your car’s engine is overheating. However, such indicators show the temperature of the coolant, so they cannot be trusted if your car is overheating due to a coolant leak.
3. Strange Noises
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your engine, it’s a lack of lubrication. This happens when the engine oil loses its lubricity due to excessive heating.
4. Coolant Leaks
If you notice coolant leaking from under your car, your engine may be overheating due to a lack of coolant.
5. Burning Smell
When your engine overheats, you may smell something like burning oil. The smell gets stronger as it heats up, and it can damage plastic valves, rubber gaskets, and more.
6. Steam is coming out of the hood
If you notice steam coming out of the hood, it could be a sign that your engine is overheating. This happens when the coolant turns into steam after reaching its boiling point.
7. Reduced performance
When overheated, your car’s engine won’t be able to deliver its regular performance. Combine this with other signs, and you will know when to fix the excessive heating issue in your engine.
8. Low coolant warning light
A specific “Low Coolant” or “Check Engine Coolant” warning light may illuminate your dashboard if the coolant level is critically low. This could be due to external leakage or internal coolant consumption, signalling a blown head gasket or cracked engine block.
9. Sweet-smelling exhaust
White or blueish sweet-smelling exhaust indicates coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber and being burned along with fuel. This is a clear sign of internal engine damage, like a blown head gasket. Do not attempt to drive with this symptom, as it can lead to total engine failure.