Why Is My Car Overheating?

There are multiple reasons a car would overheat, from a leak in the cooling system to an issue with the radiator. Everyone’s vehicle has a “normal” place for the temperature gauge to sit, but most cars generally operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you start your car and notice the temperature gauge is reading far higher than normal, do not drive the car. Driving an overheating car can put you in danger, and it will only cause bigger, costlier issues down the road. 

Take an in-depth look at what causes a car to overheat with Toyota of Meridian below, and contact us if you have any questions.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

Overheating is a clear signal to you that there is a bigger issue to take care of. See below to learn what causes a car to overheat so you can prevent this from happening: 

• There’s a leak in the cooling system: Most often, a leak in the cooling system is what’s causing your car to overheat. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all components of the cooling system, and all can be susceptible to leaks.

• There’s a problem with your coolant: If the wrong coolant was put in your car, or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine may be prone to overheating. 

• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose: The next possible culprit is the coolant hose. There are plenty of opportunities for dirt and debris to get in your cooling system on Jackson roads. Unfortunately, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose. 

• There’s an issue with the radiator: A blockage, leak, or any other radiator issue can cause your car to overheat.

• Your car’s water pump is broken: The water pump sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system. Yours may be suffering from a leak or a shifted pump shaft, both of which often cause overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Unfortunately, your car may not overheat until you’ve already hit the road in Hattiesburg. If this happens, here’s what to do when your car overheats to prevent further damage and maintain safety for you and everyone else on the road.

If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it off and run your heat at full blast instead. It may be uncomfortable, but this helps pull heat off your engine. Next, turn on your hazard lights, safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as you can, and stop driving. Don’t attempt to operate the hood by hand for at least 30 minutes or until it is cool to prevent burns from the hot hood, engine components, or escaping steam/smoke. Once it is safe to do so, pop the hood, as this, plus your hazard lights, warn other drivers that your vehicle is stationary.

Now that you’re relatively safe and have done your due diligence to maintain road safety, the next thing to do is call a towing service to pick your car up and bring it to your mechanic of choice.

You Can Count on the Toyota of Meridian Service Department!

If your car overheats, you can trust the experienced technicians at the Toyota of Meridian service department to get you back on the road in no time. Keeping up with routine maintenance allows you to catch an issue that could cause overheating and act preemptively. Schedule your next service with us, and be sure to take advantage of our applicable service coupons.

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