Would My Car Overheat Only in the Summer?

The outdoor temperature has no effect on how hot your car’s engine gets. That is because the engine already operates at a temperature that greatly exceeds the outdoor temperature. So your motor could overheat on the coldest day of the year as well as the hottest. 

An engine gets its heat from the friction created while it is running. Oil and coolant are what keep the engine at sustainable operating temperatures. You can help your car keep its cool by understanding the common causes of an overheated engine and how to prevent them.

Coolant Leaks

Whenever the engine is low on coolant, its operating temperature goes up. Coolant might leak from a damaged hose, a punctured radiator, or a bad water pump. If you see coolant pooling beneath the engine compartment, at least one of those three sources of leaking radiator fluid has occurred and requires repair work.

Blocked Radiator or Defective Thermostat

Your coolant level might be fine, but the flow is obstructed. When the coolant cannot flow as intended, the engine will run hotter and possibly overheat. Block coolant flow usually means there is a problem with the radiator or the thermostat.

Mineral deposits can build up inside the radiator and prevent the coolant from flowing as it should. A defective thermostat might remain closed and prevent the coolant within the engine block from circulating.

If you leave the coolant alone year after year, it will degrade, lose its viscosity, and no longer work as intended. Flushing and filling the coolant will help to ensure the radiator is in good condition. It also gives you the opportunity to replace a defective thermostat.

Cooling Fan Not Working

Radiators usually have fans that increase airflow that cools the coolant. If the fan is not working, the coolant will not cool sufficiently and could lead to an overheated engine. A bad fuse often is the culprit, but the fan motor also might fail. Replacing defective equipment will help restore the engine’s full cooling capacity.

Oil Leaks Could Destroy Motors

If you never check the oil level on your car, you run a high risk of the engine overheating. Motor oil only lasts for about 3,500 to 5,000 miles and requires regular changing to keep the engine running cool.

You already know that heat can damage your engine, and the primary cause of engine heat is friction. Oil greatly reduces friction and enables the engine to run smoothly without overheating. If you have bad oil or run with too little oil, the engine will have more friction and heat, which might cause a catastrophic failure.

You need to regularly check the oil and change it as recommended by the manufacturer. If you notice oil accumulating on the engine block or beneath the engine compartment, you have an oil leak that should be fixed. Ignoring it could lead to a wrecked motor and force you to buy another vehicle.

Categorised in: Vehicle Repairs

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