There isn’t much you can do if your European automobile keeps overheating other than bring it to us here at European Fix so we can find and repair the problem. Driving when the engine is running too hot is dangerous, not only because you are causing additional damage to the engine but also because the engine might actually catch on fire. Here are the common reasons why cars overheat constantly.
Blocked Radiator Vents
The radiator uses fans and a series of vents to cool off hot engine coolant once it’s made its way back into the radiator. Over time, dirt and debris can clog the radiator vents and prevent the inflow of fresh air. This will keep the engine coolant hot rather than cool it down.
Coolant Leaks
If the cooling system is leaking engine coolant, the levels will get too low and your engine will overheat. Coolant leaks commonly from the system hoses, gaskets, seals, a rusted radiator, or the water pump. Engine coolant can also leak from your vehicle’s heater core.
Cooling Fan Problems
As we mentioned above, the radiator relies on the air inlets and a fan to help it cool off the hot coolant. It may be that the inlets are not blocked but the cooling fan is not operating. This is an automotive part that you hear turn on, so if you don’t hear the fan, it’s likely malfunctioning.
Debris in the Cooling System
Over time, the cooling system can get clogged with dirt and debris. This usually happens with older automobiles or in automobiles that are not well maintained. It’s important to have the cooling system flushed every 30,000 miles to make sure it’s always clean.
Dirty/Low/Incorrect Coolant
The type of engine coolant in your engine is also crucial. If you have the wrong coolant in the system, your engine will overheat. If the coolant is dirty or low, it will also overheat. Again, a flush and refill every 30,000 miles helps to prevent this.
Radiator Problems
Older radiators tend to rust. This is because they have had years of coolant sitting in them and the bottom starts to corrode. Once the rust eats through the bottom of the radiator, you will have a coolant leak and the coolant will have rust flecks in it that make it look orange.
Thermostat Problems
The thermostat gauges the engine’s temperature and releases the coolant once it starts getting too hot. The thermostat can get clogged and refuse to open, or it can malfunction and be unable to read the temperature correctly. Either of these things will cause your engine to overheat constantly.
Water Pump Problems
Finally, the water pump can also die, and if it does, you will not have coolant circulating through the engine. Naturally, this will make your engine overheat. As mentioned above, you can also lose coolant through a water pump leak.
European Fix is the best auto service shop in Clinton Township, MI, because we work the hardest to keep your European automobile safe and reliable. Give us a call today if your engine is overheating constantly.