Why is My Car Overheating?

The “normal” temperature range for vehicles is around 195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your car’s temperature gauge is reading a lot higher than usual, it’s crucial that you do not drive the car, as doing so can put both you and your vehicle in danger.

So, why is my car overheating? There are several reasons a car would overheat, such as a leak in the cooling system or trouble with the radiator. Learn the details about what causes a car to overheat and what to do when a car overheats with Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc..

What Causes a Car to Overheat?

What does it mean when your car overheats? An overheated car is a tell-tale sign that there is a bigger problem going on with your vehicle. Take a look at the most common causes of an overheated car below:

• A leaking cooling system – This is the most common cause of an overheated car. Your car’s cooling system is made up of several components including the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket and thermostat, all of which can break and cause leaks. 
• Coolant hose blockage – Your car’s coolant hose can also get blocked with dirt and debris from New Orleans roads, which can unfortunately cause your car to overheat.
• An issue with your coolant – Your engine may be more likely to overheat if the wrong coolant was put in your car or you have an incorrect coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper).
• Issues with the radiator – Another common cause of an overheated car is a blockage, leak, or issue with your radiator’s fan.
• Broken water pump – Your vehicle’s water pump is responsible for sending engine coolant throughout the cooling system. If the water pump has a leak or a shifted pump shaft, this may be the reason your car is overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

If you find yourself driving in Metairie or Belle Chasse with an overheated car, don’t panic! There are several steps you can take to safely handle the situation:

• If your air conditioning is running, turn it off. Next, turn on your heat and run it on full blast to draw heat away from the engine.
• Pull your vehicle over when it is safe to do so. Wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to pop the hood by hand.
• Call a towing service to pick up your vehicle and bring it to your local Harvey Chevrolet service center. 

Rely on the Service Experts at Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc.!

If you want to prevent your car from overheating, one of the best pieces of advice we have at Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc. is to be proactive and keep up with routine maintenance. By doing so, our factory-trained service experts can quickly act on any issues that may be found during inspection. Before you schedule service with us, be sure to check out our service specials to see how much you can save! In the meantime, learn about your vehicle’s AC system and whether or not it uses gas.