Why Is My Car Overheating But Then Going Back To Normal?
I know how serious the situation is when the car overheats. It can lead to bleeding head seals and permanent engine failure. But what does that mean when the car overheats and then it’s normal again? It’s just as serious, what causes it?
This guide covers the biggest reasons for motion temperature fluctuations. It also shows you how to fix the issue so there are no major issues that can be addressed. At the end of our article, you will receive some answers to public issues.
Why your car overheats and then returns to normal temperature
The engine temperature will rise, but if it drops again, the engine may be running too hard. This could be due to a bad thermostat, coolant temperature sensor, water pump, cooler or temperature display. The cooling system may also have a specified cooler, low coolant level, or air.
We’ll take a closer look at the possibilities to determine the cause.
1. Revised Engine
It is normal for the engine temperature to rise if you push the engine hard. If you climb steeply or attract a lot of loads, the engine temperature can rise until it retreats. Fortunately, sometimes this is not mechanically wrong when it happens. You need to know how hard you push the engine, especially if you have an older vehicle.
2. Bad thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for adjusting the coolant flow to and from the engine. If the thermostat registers too much heat, it will give you coolant and if no heat is recorded, it will be suppressed. If the thermostat fails, it can act sporadically. The river cannot be adjusted as needed, and the engine heats up for a while. If not defined, the thermostat will fail, leading to the possibility of engine damage.
3..Clogged or bad cooler
A car cooler can help eliminate hot coolant from the engine. If something blocks the radiator, the coolant cannot cycle in such a way, leading to the same problem as discussed. The cooler can get worse and cause problems with blood circulation. After all, the engine will not be able to cool at all.
4. Incorrect coolant temperature sensor
The task of this sensor is to measure the coolant temperature. This sensor sometimes fails, so he can send the wrong data. Instead of displaying accurate readings, you might think that if this is not the case, your engine will overheat. It is also seen that thermometers have an irregular effect during this time.
5. Low coolant level
Your car should include the right amount of coolant to keep the engine temperature low. If the system is accessible, the engine may get too warm. A common cause of lower coolant levels is leakage. If there is no external leakage, the engine block can be infiltrated via the raised head gasket. This represents an expensive problem.
6. Bad water pump
The task of a water pump is to circulate the coolant. If the water pump fails, the engine may not have enough power to flow the coolant to the cooler and vice versa. First, it can be overheated and then cooled again. However, as soon as the water pump fails completely, the engine cannot be cooled down.
7. Bad cooler fan
The cooler has a fan that lowers the coolant temperature before returning to the engine. If the radiator fan fails, the engine cannot be cooled. You can also notice the problems with the air conditioner. Additionally, a loud noise may come out of the cooler due to a malfunction in the fan.
8. Cooling system air
If you keep the engine temperature low and notice problems with heating not working properly, the system can become air in the air. As a general rule, air enters the system due to low coolant levels. The cooling system is closed and should not contain air bubbles. I would like to fix this just before the motor damage.
9. Showing bad temperature
There is always a possibility that what you believe is not actually. It depends on information coming from the measurement devices on the dashboard, but it may be wrong.
Like other automotive parts, measuring devices can be bad. However, you should always assume that it is correct and act accordingly. I don’t want to go any further with an overheated engine.
How to repair a normal car again after overheating
If you find that your engine is overheating, it is important to take quick measurements, even if it is still normal again. Driving with an overheated engine can cause serious damage. Here are some steps we take as experts.
Check the coolant level and search for the coolant lid
The first thing you need to search for is the coolant position. Unless the owner’s manual says something else, check the coolant when the engine is cold. If your system does not provide sufficient coolant, you will need to add more. Use the right type of coolant.
If the coolant level is low, you should consider that there is a leak. Place cardboard box under the car and check where the coolant is leaking. It can come from damaged hoses or loose clamps. Repair areas that cause leaks.
Check The Radiator Fan’s Function
You can test the radiator fan with a multimeter.
1) Find the fan. It’s located on the radiator.
2) Remove the motor connector from the fan.
3) Identify the terminals that are supplying current to the motor.
4) Prepare your multimeter to read volts.
5) Connect the probes of the multimeter to the connector.
If the multimeter reads 12 volts, but the fan doesn’t run, the motor has burned out. If there’s not voltage, the wiring could be to blame. You may also want to check the relay and fuse.
Read Trouble Codes
If there are any dashboard lights on, you can use your compatible code reader to see what DTCs are set. Plug the reader into the OBD-II port located under the steering wheel.
With our online trouble code library, you can figure out what the codes mean. Read through the information related to your codes to repair the problem.
Check the Thermostat, Coolant Temp Sensor & Water Pump
It’s possible that one of the other cooling system parts has malfunctioned. You can easily test the thermostat, coolant temperature sensor and water pump from home with the right equipment.
We recommend using a repair manual for detailed guidelines from the manufacturer. If something doesn’t add up, you should replace the corresponding part.
Flush And Bleed The Coolant System
You can bleed the cooling system from home. Here are some simple steps.
1) Take off the radiator cap with the engine cool.
2) Put a funnel into the radiator.
3) Fill up the system with coolant as much as you can. Give it some time as the level will continue to drop and air bubbles will come out.
4) Once the level stabilizes, start the engine.
5) Turn the heater to the highest temperature with the fan on low.
6) As the coolant continues to drop, add more fluid.
7) Once the coolant stops dropping and the engine temperature remains normal, you can stop adding fluid.
Take the vehicle for a drive to see if the temperature remains stable.
Contact A Professional
If you are unsure how to fix the overheating issue, it’s best to contact a mechanic. You don’t want to keep driving with the engine getting too hot. The cooling system can be difficult to work on if you aren’t experienced. Even as professionals, we can have trouble at times. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Can a car be okay after overheating?
There’s a chance that your vehicle is okay if it only overheated for a short time. However, you don’t want to let it continue overheating and you should have it looked at immediately.
How long before an engine is damaged from overheating?
It only takes thirty to sixty seconds of the engine running too hot for damage to occur. For that reason, it’s best to pull over at the first sign of the engine overheating.
How long should I let my car sit after overheating?
You should not drive the car any further until the engine is completely cooled off. This process can take up to thirty minutes. Speed up the process by popping open the hood while you wait. If the engine overheats again when you start back up, you need to figure out what’s causing the problem.
Because this is a serious situation, it’s good for you to take action right away. You may only need to replace a small part that costs a minimal amount of money, but it will prevent you from damaging the engine, which is an expensive repair.
The gauges are there for a reason, so remember to pay attention. If anything ever feels off, take the vehicle to a professional for another opinion.
