It can be very dangerous for your engine if your car overheats every time that you drive it. This can cause serious engine damage, including a cracked engine block. Fairfax Auto Repair advises that you likely have something going on with your cooling system and this is the reason why your car is overheating constantly. It could also be a problem with your motor oil, fuel pump, or exhaust manifold. A cracked head gasket will also make your car overheat all the time. However, let’s talk about the cooling system below.
Blocked Air Inlets
The radiator is located in the front of your engine and it relies on air flowing through the grille as well as its own air inlets to keep the engine coolant cool. If you have a clogged grille and dirt and debris clogging the radiator vents, your engine will overheat all the time because the coolant remains hot.
Clogged Cooling System
If you can’t remember the last time that you had your cooling system flushed and refilled, it could be that you have a clog in the system. The radiator hoses could be clogged, the water pump could be clogged, or the radiator itself can be clogged with corrosion, particularly if you drive an old vehicle.
Coolant Trouble
The engine coolant itself can also be the problem. You need to make sure that you always have plenty of coolant in the system and that the coolant you use is the coolant recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Using different coolant can actually make your car overheat and damage the engine.
Faulty Cooling Fan
The cooling fan also helps keep the engine coolant cool and the radiator. If the fan is faulty due to an electrical problem, you will end up with hot coolant circulating through the engine and your engine will overheat. You should hear your radiator fan come on when your engine starts to get too hot.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat releases the coolant and it can either get stuck in the open or closed position. If it is stuck in the closed position, your engine is not getting any coolant. This will definitely make it overheat.
Faulty Water Pump
The water pump can also have problems and if it is experiencing difficulties, you may not have coolant circulating through the engine. Generally, a water pump lasts about 100,000 miles.
Radiator Trouble
Finally, if the radiator is corroded, the corrosion will eat through the bottom and it will start to leak. The corrosion can also clog the radiator as discussed above.
Fairfax Auto Repair in Fairfax, VA, can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your automobile.
