Why is My Car Overheating?

It’s natural to feel heat from your vehicle as most cars tend to operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, what causes a car to overheat relates to a number of issues from a leak in the cooling system to an issue with the radiator. If you notice your car’s temperature gauge is reading higher than normal before starting your East Hill commits, do not drive the car. An overheated car can put you in danger on the road and driving it in that condition can lead to larger, more costly issues down the road.

With Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, learn more about what it means when your car overheats and what to do when a car overheats on Long Island City roads. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about why your car is overheating.

What Causes a Car to Overheat?

What does it mean when your car overheats? Too much heat coming from your hood on trips around Manhattan can relate to a number of issues with your vehicle. Some of the common reasons for what is means when your car overheats include:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – One of the most common answers to “why is my car overheating?” is a leak in the cooling system. Essential components of the cooling system like the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing can be susceptible to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – An improper coolant-to-water ratio can make your engine prone to overheatings. A 50/50 mixture is proper.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – Another reason behind what causes a car to overheat is the introduction of dirt and debris in the cooling system. While there are plenty of opportunities for debris to get into the system while on the road, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose.
• There’s an issue with the radiator – A Blockage, lead, or an issue with your radiator fan can cause your vehicle to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – The water pump is what sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system, so if a leak or shifted pump shaft happens in your vehicle, it can often cause the vehicle to overheat.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

It may be likely you’re searching “what to do when a car overheats?” when you’re already on the side of the road. Your best bet for dealing with an overheated vehicle is to find a safe place to pull over and turn off the air condition if it’s running and turn on your heat at full blast. While it may be uncomfortable, it can help to remove heat from your engine. Keep in mind that your hood is heated to high temperatures, so you should not attempt to pop the hood by hand for at least 30 minutes.

To ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on Westbury roads, contact a towing service and have your vehicle brought to the service center of your choice.

Schedule Your Next Service with Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!

Now that you have a better idea of what it means when your car overheats, visit our service department at Major World Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to have your overheating issue diagnosed. Trust our certified technicians to get you back on the road in no time and save on your next visit with our available service coupons.