Why is My Car Overheating?

Living in Miami’s hot and humid climate, your vehicle works extra hard to keep its engine cool. If you’ve ever wondered why your car is overheating or what to do when it overheats, you’re not alone. Overheating can happen for various reasons, from coolant leaks to a failing radiator. At North Miami Mitsubishi, we’ll explain what it means when your car overheatsand how to handle it safely. 

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

Several factors can contribute to why your car is overheating, and Miami’s extreme temperatures can make matters worse. Here are some common reasons a car would overheat: 

• There’s a leak in the cooling system: Most often, a leak in the cooling system is what’s causing your car to overheat. 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 the wrong coolant was put in your car, or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine may be prone to overheating. 
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose: The next possible culprit is the coolant hose. There are plenty of opportunities for dirt and debris to get in your cooling system on Miramar roads. Unfortunately, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose. 
• There’s an issue with the radiator: Radiator issues are another common reason a car would overheat. There could be a blockage, a leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan, and all could cause a car to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken: The water pump sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system. Yours may be suffering from a leak or a shifted pump shaft, both of which often cause overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Unfortunately, your car may not overheat until you’ve already hit the road in Doral. Not sure what to do when a car overheats? If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it off and instead run your heat at full blast. It may be uncomfortable, but it will help pull heat off 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 maintain your safety and that of nearby drivers is to call a towing service to pick your car up and bring it to your mechanic of choice.

Discover More Reasons a Car Would Overheat with North Miami Mitsubishi

If you’re still wondering what it means when your car overheats, don’t wait for major damage. Our certified technicians can diagnose and repair cooling system issues quickly. Schedule your service today in North Miami, near Hialeah, and keep your engine running cool! If you have any more questions on the reasons a car would overheat, contact us.