Why is My Car Overheating?

There are a few reasons why a car would overheat. This could be from a leak in the cooling system to a problem with the radiator. Each vehicle has a “normal” place for their temperature gauge to sit, however, most vehicles operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If when you start your car, you notice the temperature gauge starts to read higher than normal, do not drive the car. It’s dangerous to drive an overheating car and will cause more issues for your vehicle later down the road. Learn more about what causes a car to overheat with the Jaguar Anaheim Hills service team today!

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

Typically, when you have an overheated car, it means there’s a bigger issue to take care of. Here are the most common reasons overheating might happen:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – Most often, what’s causing your car to overheat is a leak in the cooling system. 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 there is an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), or if the wrong coolant is used, your engine may be prone to overheating.

• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – There’s a big chance that dirt or debris has made its way into the cooling system. Unfortunately, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose.

• There’s an issue with the radiator – A blockage, leak, or other issue with the radiator could also be the cause of your vehicle overheating.

• Your car’s water pump is broken – Your water pump may be suffering from a leak or a shifted pump shaft, both of which often cause overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

In most cases, you may not notice your car starting to overheat until you’ve already started your commute through Orange County. If you have the air conditioner on, switch it to heat and run it at full blast. This will pull the heat from your engine. When you’re able to pull over to safety, you should not attempt to pop the hood by hand for at least 30 minutes. The best way to stay safe is to call a towing service to pick up your vehicle and bring it to your mechanic of choice.

Trust the Jaguar Anaheim Hills Service Department in Anaheim

Should your vehicle overheat, trust the mechanics at the Jaguar Anaheim Hills service center. Our technicians will have the problem diagnosed and repaired in no time. In addition, we offer service specials to help drivers save. Schedule your next service with us or contact us today to learn more!