Why is my Car Overheating?

So, what causes a car to overheat? Anything from a cooling system leak to a problem with the radiator can affect your Brandon ride. Everyone’s model has a “normal” place for their temperature gauge to remain, but most vehicles operate between 91 and 93 degrees Celsius.  

If you start your car and notice the temperature gauge is reading higher than normal, don’t drive! Driving an overheated vehicle puts you in danger and only leads to costlier repairs. What does it mean when your car overheats? Learn more with Capital Ford Winnipeg and contact our service team with any questions.

What Does it Mean When Your Car Overheats?

When answering, “Why is my car overheating?” it’s important to know that this is a sign of bigger vehicle issues. In terms of what causes a car to overheat, here are some of the most common reasons:

• Cooling System Leak: Since your radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all part of the cooling system, they are prone to leaks that can create overheating.
• Coolant Problem: If you have the wrong coolant in your vehicle, or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine might be prone to overheating.
• Coolant Hose Blockage: Any major culprit is the car’s coolant hose. There are many moments where debris and dirt can get into your coolant system on Portage la Prairie roads. This can lead to blockages in your coolant hose.
• Radiator Issue: Another common reason your vehicle might overheat is your radiator. A potential blockage, leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan can cause your car to overheat. 
• Broken Water Pump: Your car’s water pump sends engine coolant through the cooling system. You might be suffering from a shifted pump shaft or a leak, which leads to potential overheating.

What to do When a Car Overheats

Now that you know what causes a car to overheat, you might not notice the problem until you’re well underway around the Dauphin area. So, what to do when a car overheats?

If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it off and run your heat at full blast. While this might be uncomfortable, it can help pull heat off your engine.  When you can pull over safely, don’t pop the hood for at least 30 minutes. The best way to maintain your safety is to call a towing service to pick your car up and bring it to a service technician.

You Can Count on The Capital Ford Winnipeg Service Centre!

Now you know what to do when a car overheats. Still asking yourself, “What does it mean when your car overheats?” or “Why is my car overheating?” turn your vehicle over to the trusted technicians at the Capital Ford Winnipeg service centre. We’ll help you get your car back on the roads around Brandon in no time.

When scheduling your next appointment, check out our rotating service specials to see how much you can save. Fix your overheating car near Portage la Prairie before it becomes a problem with Capital Ford Winnipeg!