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How to Fix Overheating Car? [Troubleshooting Methods]

How to Fix Overheating Car

An overheating car is much dangerous. It is advisable not to drive if the car temperature gauge is towards the hot side. It is essential to know how to fix overheating car as this troubleshooting can be a lifesaver for you.

This overheating can not only cause severe damage to the vehicle but can also result in a big explosion. Thus you need to deal with it right away. To do car repair and maintenance work you need to get the car diagnostic tools.

How to Fix Overheating Car?

There can be various issue for the overheating of the car. This is much common in hot summer days.

Causes of Overheating Body

Improperly Circulating Coolant

The engine starts overheating if the anti-freeze mixture doesn’t circulate properly. This anti-freeze mixture prevents the engine from cooling in cold winter months and saves it from overheating in hot summer days.

You need to check it regularly. There can be leaks, or it can evaporate too. To cool down the engine, you can add half cup water in the low anti-freeze tank.

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A Leak in the Cooling System

The constantly low level of the anti-freeze/water indicates that the cooling system has a leak somewhere.

Replace the Hose

The hoses that work in circulating the coolant become detached or blocked sometimes. A partial blockage can also prevent proper circulating of the coolant. Thus the hose needs to be replaced in such a case. Mechanic tool set can help you do so.

Engine Overheating Troubleshooting

You can do the following to cool down an overheating engine.

  1. At the first place, turn off the air conditioner. This is because it put the load on the engine.
  2. Turn on the heater. Doing this will blow excess heat in the car from the engine. This helps in cooling down the engine. Well, this is not supposed to be an ideal step in hot summers.
  3. Park the car or put it in a neutral. After that, rev the engine. This way, the water pump, and fan work faster.
  4. It pulls more water and air from the radiator of the car.
  5. There is an increase in circulation, which helps in cooling the engine.
  6. Open the hood to release the heat. Also, be careful while doing so as the heat steam may come out in a blast.
  7. Avoid removing the radiator cap of a hot engine as it can cause burns on your body.

Other important Thigs to Do

Low Oil Level

Low oil level also overheats the engine. Oil moves the engine and also it removes as waste heat. Thus you can prevent such situation by checking and maintaining the proper liquid level in the system.

Slipping Off the Accessory Belt

The loose or frayed accessory belt can also cause this issue. Thus you need to check the belt driving the water pump. You can also get a professional if you’re re unable to repair it.

Plugged Radiator

The plugged radiators work in cutting down the liquid circulation of the system. Due to this, the system is unable to cool efficiently. In such a case, steam cleaning is best.

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Thermostat

A closed thermostat results in an overheated engine as it prevents the coolant from running through the car engine.
Driving with a closed thermostat can cause severe damage to the engine. This way you will have to go for more expensive repairs.

Thus you can avoid this situation by replacing the thermostat.

Preventing Future Overheating Car Damage

Check the Coolant Frequently

Do check the coolant level at least once in a month. If you find it low, then max the fill line. Also first let the vehicle cool down and then check the coolant.

Towing the Load

Check the car manual to find the appropriate towing load for your vehicle and don’t put additional load on it as this can result in straining the engine of the vehicle.

This is much dangerous if you are moving up steep inclines or driving long distance.

Flush the Coolant

Get the services of a mechanic to flush the coolant system every one to two years. Also, make sure that the mechanic you hired checked the coolant’s pH level.

Engine Overheating Symptoms

Following are the engine overheating symptoms. If you notice any of these then resolve the issue to avoid any big damage.

1. Red Temperature Gauge

The temperature gauge on the dashboard of the vehicle tells the temperature of the engine. The gauge needle is in the black area normally. But when it in the red area, then this indicates that the engine is overheated.

2. Steaming Hood

You will see steam emitting from the car’s hood. This can be due to the hot coolant. Due to a faulty radiator, the coolant instable to cool properly and thus it starts boiling. These boiling coolant beings out the steam.

3. Temperature Light

The temperature light on the dashboard illuminates when the engine overheats.

4. Burning Smell

The materials (metal, rubber, etc.) in an overheating engine start to burn. Thus you will feel a burning smell.

5. Poor Engine Performance

An overheated engine won’t be able to perform in a good way. There will be a weak acceleration.

Engine Overheating Damage

  • It can cause some irreparable damages too.
  • The oil and transmission fluid becomes much thinner.
  • The cylinder wraps might warp too.
  • The cooling system or radiator might burst.
  • Senors suffer from collateral heat damage.
  • The gasket melt.
  • The head gasket might become cracked.
  • Also, this a result in an end of an engine too.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Overheating Car?

Overall the full repair for this can cost around $400. The radiator repair is the most expensive of all the repair work. It costs around $300 depending on the type and size of the car while the replacement of the radiator hose cost between $40-$70.

Summary

Car overheating troubleshooting need to be done on immediate bases.

There is a much terrific and dangerous situation when the temperature gauge needle moves nearer to the red zone. Also, the temperature malfunction light present in the dashboard glow. Thus it is much essential to know how to fix overheating car. This way you can get out of this headache easily.

Do Read Best Bike Bicycle Tool Kit Buyer’s Guide

Filed Under: Car Diagnostic Tools, Guides

About David Marsh

David Marsh is a Mechanical Engineer by education and a blogger by passion. He enjoys fixing the mechanical and electrical stuff. Moreover, David enjoys outdoor sports and adventures too.  

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