Why Is My Car Overheating?

Under standard driving conditions, your vehicle has a normal temperature range within which it operates. Typically, this is somewhere between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your car is overheating on your commute from Omaha to Beatrice, you might begin to panic.

A thousand thoughts may flash through your mind at once, questions like: “Why is my car overheating?”, “What does it mean when your car overheats?”, or even “What to do when a car overheats?”. These are normal things to wonder about, and Sid Dillon Buick of Lincoln is here to help. If you’re asking, “Why is my car overheating?” the service guide below is for you!

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

What does it mean when your car overheats? An overheating car is a symptom of a larger issue that needs to be addressed. Common problems include:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system: While it isn’t always easy to understand what causes a car to overheat, a leak in the cooling system is a common culprit. The radiator, hoses, water, pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all vulnerable to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant: The proper coolant-to-water ratio is 50/50. If an improper ratio was used, your engine is prone to overheat.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose: The cooling system is especially susceptible to dirt and debris clogs. These blockages often end up with a blocked coolant hose.
• There’s an issue with the radiator: A faulty radiator can lead to your car overheating. A blockage, leak, or broken radiator fan can all cause a car to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken: Your car’s water pump is tasked with sending engine coolant through the entire cooling system. If there’s a leak or the pump shaft is shifted, you may end up with a car that’s running too hot.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

If you’re wondering what to do when a car overheats, your best bet is to take immediate action. If you have the AC running, shut it off and turn the heat on full blast. While it may seem uncomfortable, this will pull heat from the engine block. Once it’s safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road.

Do not attempt to continue driving. Wait at least 30 minutes for the hood to cool down before you attempt to pop the hood. At this point, the best way to maintain your safety is to call a tow truck. From there, your vehicle can be taken to a service center where they can help you understand what causes a car to overheat.

You Can Count on the Sid Dillon Buick of Lincoln Service Department!

If your car overheats, you’ll want to turn to the pros at Sid Dillon Buick of Lincoln. Our Lincoln service team is equipped to figure out the issues with your vehicle and get you back on the Hickman streets in no time. Book an appointment with us for affordable care today. Not only can we diagnose your automotive issues and help you understand what causes a car to overheat, but we offer tons of other car care tips to help you stay road ready. With us, you can learn to spot the signs you need an oil change and even how to check brake fluid!