Car trouble? Did an unfavorable memory of you stranded on the side of the road pop in your brain? You are not alone. Everyone has a story about car trouble, but not everyone knows about preventative measures you can take, so you don’t find yourself on the side of the road asking yourself “why is my car overheating?”
Even if you don’t consider yourself a “car” person, continue reading to learn some valuable information that will hopefully keep your car from overheating, and more importantly, keep you out of car trouble.
Why Is My Car Overheating?
To answer this question, it’s important to understand some basic mechanics of a car. All vehicles have a cooling system that keeps the components of the vehicle at the proper temperature so they can function normally. The most important, and what you can check on your own, include; coolant, motor oil, radiator fan, and the thermostat.
Coolant
Coolant levels must be at the proper fill levels, so make sure to check this frequently. Additionally, make sure you put fresh coolant in consistently. Some issues arise with a coolant such as a blockage or leaks. Either of these situations will cause the coolant not to function correctly, which in turn will make your engine overheat. The lesser-known problem is that coolant can freeze, so it’s quite likely your car can overheat even if it’s cold outside.
Motor Oil
Oil changes aren’t the most fun chore, but clean motor oil at the proper levels can help keep your car running efficiently. The motor oil acts as a lubricant to reduce friction for all the hard work your engine is doing. If the oil is low or dirty, the engine is working too hard, and your car will overheat.
Radiator Fan
If you have to head the fan kick on while you are working on your laptop, the radiator fan in your car is the same thing. This fan helps keep the engine cool. If there is damage to the fan or electrical issues, the fan won’t work correctly if at all. If you suspect the fan isn’t working get this checked out and fixed promptly.
Thermostat
You have probably seen the thermostat on your dashboard but haven’t given it much thought. The thermostat is there for more than looks. It’s the “brains” for the coolant. If the temperature gets too high, there is communication between the thermostat and the coolant. If there is damage to the thermostat, there isn’t any communication to the coolant.
If you are driving along and your car is overheating, pull over and call the pros. It isn’t safe at this point for you to try and fix the problem yourself.
Preventative measures can ensure your car isn’t overheating. Still, if you do find yourself in need of assistance, Epoiloto’s is your local roadside assistance and towing company that can help you out. We will turn your unfortunate experience into an unforgettable experience. Give us a call today.
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