As of writing, we're in the middle of the summer season. And this is not a piece of good news for cars. Although vehicles have their own ways to cool down, rising temperatures make them hard to keep cool. And when the temp goes too extreme, your car will most likely overheat.
As mentioned, the causes of overheating cars are pretty simple: anyone can fix them at a low cost. However, the problem with these issues being simple is that they are too simple. People, however, choose to ignore them. They don't know that overheating cars lead to significant problems in the future when left untreated. And, it happens more often that drivers spend hundreds and thousands of dollars just to correct the issue. This is why we wrote this article; to list the causes, the dangers, and fool-proof ways to prevent overheating cars from happening.
Before diving into the causes of overheating cars, let's talk first about how one can tell if a car is overheating. Usually, car engines function between the temperatures of 195°F and 220°F. For those unfamiliar with Fahrenheit (pretty much the whole world), that's 90°C and 104°C. This temperature range is considerably piping hot, but not to worry, as engines have cooling systems to keep it going.
However, the car's engine cooling system can only have so much that it breaks down from time to time. And when this happens, this causes the engine raises its temperature beyond the acceptable level. When the heat radiates throughout the car's system, that's when you can tell it is overheating. And below are the primary causes.
Most drivers would agree; leaks in the cooling system are the number 1 reason for overheating cars. The cooling system of a car usually consists of hoses and pumps, making it susceptible to leaks. However, apart from hoses, other parts of the cooling system can get leaky, too, such as the radiator, heater core, and freeze plugs, to name a few.
The problem with leaks in the cooling system is that it's so subtle that drivers may not notice it unless they check on the engine temperature all the time. This is why it's essential to check the engine temperature all the time. When you suspect a leak, don't wait and have it checked. Usually, leaks start small, so the sooner it's fixed, the better.
Another part of the cooling system that causes overheating cars is the thermostat. The all-important thermostat is the critical valve that allows coolant to pass through when the radiator needs cooling. Several issues, however, can cause the thermostat's valve to close down. And when the thermostat closes down, the coolant can't pass on its way to the radiator. In turn, the engine starts to overheat.
One of the common reasons why thermostats malfunction is that it is blocked by debris or a concentrated coolant. Another reason is the opposite; the valve doesn't close down and keeps its open position. When this happens, the engine goes overcooling, causing it to increase engine emissions, increase fuel consumption, and increase the car's temperature.
Some people think that the oil's sole purpose is to reduce friction. But what these folks don't know is that motor oil aids in controlling the engine's temp by doing so. So, when the car overheats, one probable cause is that the oil level is low due to leaks. When the engine lubrication starts to diminish, this causes the engine to overheat. When the temperature rises excessively, this may lead to an engine failure and may cause more problems.
Another factor to consider is the kind of oil you use. Some motor oils tend to thicken faster over time and can cause clogging. In addition, the thick oil debris can block hoses and won't allow oil to pass through, causing leaks.
As people living in the Northern Hemisphere, we love our sun. We always look forward to the summer. A time we can hide our coats inside the cabinets and just go to the beach and stay under the sun for hours. But too much sun is not good for our skin and body. And it goes the same with cars. When the vehicle is under the heat of the sun, it collects all the heat. It may cause overheating, especially when it's parked and the radiator isn't working.
And when you start your car after hours of being "burned", the radiator and cooling may have to work overtime at the start. This can cause early deterioration for your car's cooling system, which, in turn, can cause overheating.
If you own a car for a while now, chances are your vehicle overheat at some point. If you've done something about it, that's good; it's one good sign of being a responsible driver. However, if you haven't done something about it, you must have it checked right away before it's too late. It only takes one mishap for an overheating car to self-destroy. Learn more about the dangers of overheating vehicles before it's too late.
A cylinder head covers the cylinder in an internal combustion engine. Cylinder heads are usually made of aluminum, which quickly melts off when exposed to enough heat. Therefore, if your car is overheating and you continue driving it, you risk melting the cylinder heads. This can cause many issues, including excessive oil burning and decreased power, to name a few. It's also essential to know that it's not just the cylinder heads that melt when a car overheats. Other parts that may warp include belts, wiring, and sensors.
Radiator hoses serve as the portal for coolant to circulate around. When the car overheats while there is still coolant in the hoses, the antifreeze will heat up and expand, building pressure within the hoses in return. When left unchecked, the hot coolant will be released all over the engine connection points. It will create a literally hot mess that can damage even more.
This risk may be the most obvious sign that your car is overheating, and it can go from bad to worse anytime soon. The head gasket of the car aids in ensuring coolant flow through the channels of the engine smoothly. When the car overheats, the gasket creates leaks. And when the gasket leaks, coolant can go its way towards the combustion chambers, wherein it gets combusted along with the gasoline. Then, it creates white or grey smoke from the tailpipe. If you don't find a smoke-belching vehicle embarrassing, I don't know what is.
Most of love the heat, especially when it's freezing cold outside. That's why most Americans love the summer season. But this is simply not the case with cars. The dangers of overheating cars mentioned above could cost hundreds of dollars to fix and a long time to fix. Nobody wants that, so here are some ways to prevent overheating cars.
Or at least hide it from the heat of the sun. If you have an indoor garage, make sure to park your car inside when you're not using it. If you only have a driveway, you can place a sunshade on the spot where you usually park. This way, you would be able to minimize the heat your car absorbs when it's exposed to the sun. When you park it elsewhere, try to look for a shaded area or at least park it under a tree.
Another way to keep the heat away is to use window shades. This is very essential because you can't always park somewhere where there is shade provided. The window shade is developed to bounce the UV rays, thus minimizing sun heat from entering your interior. This way, you can protect your cabin from getting damaged by the heat. Car window shades are readily available at a car shop near you, or you can custom-made your window shade to fit your car's make and model.
It's crucial for any car owner to always check their engine regularly, especially during summer when the temperature is high. Sometimes, engines don't manifest that it's having a problem. For example, when your coolant is low, your engine doesn't show that the coolant is depleting. You'll only know that when your car overheats. That's why checking your engine regularly prevents your car from breaking down.
You can check the level of the car coolant by opening the hood and find the reservoir. You would be able to determine the level is low by the indicator lines. When it's way too low, it's time to add the coolant. However, don't add the coolant when the engine is still hot. You have to wait for the engine to cool down before pouring in.
Although adding a coolant can help your engine maintain its temperature, the coolant can get contaminated with debris. When left untreated, the residue can clog the channels of the radiator, causing the engine to overheat. That's why a radiator flush is essential. A radiator flush is draining the old coolant from the radiator and flushing the fluid using a new coolant. This is a tricky process, so if you're going to do this for the first time, you need a mechanic to do the coolant flushing for you.
A mechanic knows the right way to take all the debris away from the radiator. Once they're done with the flushing, they usually recommend car owners to bring the vehicle again for a flush after 40,000 miles.
Overheating cars can be a complex issue to deal with. Fortunately, this is something anyone can prevent. By learning what causes it, what the risks are, and what to do to avoid it, you as a car owner can keep your car cool before an unwanted situation heats up. When you're planning to buy a used car, make sure that you'll get it from a trusted dealership. Also, always look for a vehicle condition report to know the information that's usually hidden.
