What Causes Your Car to Overheat?

What are the Signs of Engine Overheating?

Car overheating is a concerning problem, especially during summers and mid-winters, due to various fluctuations in the temperature. When you put extra strain on your car’s cooling or heating system, it affects your engine, causing car overheating. Follow along with Budds’ Chev as we take a closer look at some potentially crucial information.

To protect your car from severe engine damage due to overheating, you’ve got to keep an eye on potential signs and symptoms, such as:

• Check the engine temperature gauge symbol on your car’s dashboard. If it has turned to H or red, this indicates engine overheating. The gauge symbol and functioning may vary from car to car and model to model, so it’s better to stay informed with the help of the owner’s manual. 
• If you notice steam or smoke coming out of the car’s bonnet, it’s because of overheating. 
• Notice any peculiar smell coming from the car; it could be from the leaking coolant or engine oil. 

READ MORE: Why Do You Need a Coolant Flush? 

It can also be helpful to know what some of the common causes of engine overheating are. Let’s look at some common engine overheating causes.

What Causes Car Overheating Problems? 

Following are some of the significant reasons that may result in car overheating:

1. Car Water Pump

A water pump contains a fan-like blade called an impeller that pushes and spins the coolant through the cooling system. If a car’s water pump gets damaged or broken, it affects the functioning and circulation of the coolant, leading to engine overheating. 

2. Leaking Coolant

Coolant leakage can be both external and internal, and it can leak from different components and locations of a vehicle, including a water pump, radiator, hoses and thermostat, head gasket and cracked engine block. A low coolant level can cause car overheating. 

3. Coolant Temperature Sensor

Modern Chevy, Buick and GMC vehicles come equipped with coolant temperature sensors that maintain a moderate temperature. The sensor relies upon engine coolant temperature to turn the cooling fan on and off. When these sensors fail to read the data, it results in engine overheating. 

Best Ways to Prevent Car Overheating 

The ideal way to prevent your car from overheating is to follow a regular auto maintenance plan from the vehicle’s manufacturer. A Budds’ Chev technician will check the coolant levels, engine oil, cooling system, water pump and other components to ensure proper operation. Through maintenance services, you can also save thousands of dollars on car repair and severe engine damage. 

Browse through the wide assortment of services, like oil changes at Budds’ Chev, to keep up with your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Make an appointment with one of our specialists today!