7 Common Causes of Engine Overheating: How to Fix Guide

Causes of Engine Overheating

In this video I will walk through what causes your engine to overheat and what you need to do if your car is overheating.

If you have been wondering what causes your car to overheat then you will find this video helpful. here are the 7 common causes of engine overheating

1. Low Coolant Level: Coolant, a mixture of water and antifreeze, is vital for absorbing heat from the engine and transporting it to the radiator for dissipation. If the coolant level is low, there's not enough medium to carry away the heat, leading to overheating. Low levels are often due to leaks or evaporation over time.

2. Coolant Leaks: One of the primary reasons for low coolant levels is a leak. These can occur anywhere in the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat housing, and the heater core. Leaks are often indicated by a pool of coolant under the car, a sweet-smelling odor, or a low coolant warning light.

3. Failed Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant based on engine temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat can get stuck in the "closed" position, blocking coolant flow to the radiator, causing the engine temperature to rise rapidly.

4. Radiator Issues: The radiator cools the coolant so it can return to the engine at a lower temperature. Problems like blockages from sediment or external debris, leaks, or a malfunctioning radiator fan prevent it from effectively reducing coolant temperature, leading to overheating.

5. Water Pump Failure: The water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine and to the radiator. A faulty pump can't move coolant effectively, causing the engine to overheat. Common signs of a failing water pump include coolant leaks at the pump, whining noises, or a loose pulley.

6. Clogged Coolant Passages: Over time, the engine's cooling passages may become clogged with rust or sediment. This blockage can significantly restrict coolant flow, reducing the system’s ability to transfer heat away from the engine.

7. Blown Head Gasket: The head gasket seals the engine block to the cylinder head. If it blows, coolant can leak internally or externally. Internal leaks may cause coolant to burn in the combustion chamber, leading to white smoke from the exhaust, loss of coolant without visible leaks, and bubbles in the radiator or coolant overflow tank.

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