Why Is My Car Overheating?

Issues with your vehicle can present in different ways, so there can be many reasons a car would overheat like an issue with your radiator or a leak in the cooling system. Every vehicle has an average temperature at which its temperature gauge sits, but most vehicles tend to operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

What can you do when a car overheats or you notice the temperature gauge is higher than normal? First, do not drive the car. Not only can driving an overheated car put you in danger on Overland Park roads, but it can also lead to bigger issues and more costly repairs. If you’re driving when it happens, pull over safely as soon as possible. Follow Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram to learn more about what causes a car to overheat and what to do when a car overheats, then reach out to our team if you have any questions along the way.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

When you wonder, “Why is my car overheating?” there are a number of reasons a car would overheat, but overall hints at a larger issue with your car. Let’s take a look at what it may mean when your car overheats:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – One of the common causes for what causes a car to overheat is a leak in the cooling system. Since there are many components of the cooling system like the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing, they can all become susceptible to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – Another common factor behind what causes a car to overheat is if your vehicle was filled with the wrong coolant type, or the coolant-to-water ratio is incorrect (the correct ratio is 50/50).
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – Another issue can be found within the coolant hose. Dirt and debris from the roads around Gardner can get into the cooling systems, but this can lead to blockages in the coolant hose and cause the vehicle to overheat.
• There’s an issue with the radiator – The radiator is an essential system in your vehicle, and a blockage, lead, or issue with the radiator fan can be what causes a car to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – The water pump is what sends engine coolant through the system, so when there’s a leak in the pump or a shifted pump shaft, it can lead to overheating.

Tips for What to Do When a Car Overheats

You can’t schedule when issues happen with your car. That means you could be on Springhill roads and scrambling to find out what to do when a car overheats. A quick step you can take is to turn off your air conditioning and turn on your heat to full blast. While undoubtedly uncomfortable, this can pull heat away from your engine and give you time to safely pull over.

Once you’re out of the flow of traffic, you shouldn’t attempt to pop the engine by hand for at least 30 minutes. Since the car is a hazard to drive, your next step should be to call roadside assistance or a towing service to take you to your mechanic. If you’re in the Olathe area, the certified technicians at the Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram service center are ready to diagnose your issues, so you can get back on the road.

You Can Count on the Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Service Department!

Now that you have a better answer to “why is my car overheating”, trust the team at Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram with your routine maintenance and unexpected service. Our team uses genuine Mopar OEM parts for worry-free repairs that last longer. Easily schedule your service online, then be sure to take a look at our available service specials, and save on your next reliable service.