Why is My Car Overheating?
Do you know some of the reasons why your car might overheat? Do you know how to prevent overheating as well as what to do if it occurs? If you’re in Atlantic City, Egg Harbor, or Vineland, our service experts here at BMW of Atlantic City have come up with the following guide outlining some of the most common causes of cars overheating. We’ll also go over what you should do if you find yourself on the road with an overheated car as well as ways to prevent overheating from happening in the first place.
First up are some of the main causes of overheating.
Low on Oil
One of the main purposes of oil is to keep the engine cool. Understandably, this important aspect of its operation can be seriously hindered if there’s not enough oil to get the job done.
The Cooling System
There are several issues that can originate within the radiator and the cooling system in general that can cause overheating. These include leaks in the water pump, hoses, or head gasket. Blockages and a broken radiator fan can also be key factors. Additionally, hoses can get clogged by dirt or debris from the road.
Coolant
The coolant itself can also cause your car to overheat. This can result from using the wrong type of coolant or having the incorrect coolant-to-water ratio. Either issue can easily be solved by flushing the coolant out and having it refilled with the correct coolant and at the proper ratio. If you’re doing it yourself, be sure to follow your owner’s manual’s recommendations when it comes to both.
What to Do When Your Car is Overheating
If you’re on the road and you notice your temperature gauge needle in the red, pull over as soon as you can, turn your car off, and wait for at least 10 minutes. Next, go ahead and open the hood to let the heat escape and to get some cool air to the engine. When everything has cooled down, check the coolant level. If it’s low, go ahead and add to the fill line.
Turn on the Heat
One way to attempt to prevent overheating is to turn on the hot air. This is quite effective at relieving the engine of some of that hot air on long, hot drives.
Replace the Battery
If your car has a tendency to overheat and your battery is over three years of age, it might be a case of needing to get a new battery. This is because the old battery is unable to supply your car with the power it needs to run properly and the overheating is simply a result of your car being overworked.
Get Your Car in for its Regular Maintenance
If you’re in the Atlantic City, Egg Harbor, and Vineland area and you have any questions about the above information or you’re interested in getting your car serviced, come see us or contact BMW of Atlantic City today to schedule your appointment.
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