Are you having engine issues? Many cars have issues with overheating. If you are wondering, “Why is my car overheating?” our certified technicians can help. Let’s go over some of the most common reasons why people deal with engine overheating and what to do if you are experiencing this issue.
Issues with Your Cooling System
All vehicles have a cooling system to keep the engine from overheating. The combustion chamber of your engine gets extremely hot. Most modern vehicles use a liquid cooling system. A pump moves the coolant through the engine where it collects heat. Then, the coolant moves to the radiator, where it cools off.
If your engine is overheating, the first thing we’ll check is the cooling system. We’ll look for leaks throughout the system, issues with the thermostat, incorrect pressure (which is regulated by the radiator cap), misaligned belts, broken fans, and more. Additionally, we’ll check to ensure that your system has enough coolant. If you had a leak previously, you may need to add more even if the leak was fixed.
Low or Dirty Oil Can Cause Engine Overheating
Getting a regular oil change should be on everyone’s vehicle maintenance checklist. Over time, oil becomes dirty as you drive, or if you have a leak, you could have low oil. In both cases, you might experience your car overheating.
If you don’t use enough oil or if your oil is dirty, this could actually cause your engine to completely seize. Engine seizing is a major problem that can’t be easily fixed, so we highly recommend changing your oil regularly instead! How often do you need to change your oil? Well, this depends on the type of oil you use as well as your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations. If you’re not sure when your vehicle needs an oil change, we can help. Our technicians have experience working with a wide range of makes and models, and we offer several kinds of high-quality Havoline motor oil options.
In addition to oil changes, we can provide all vehicle maintenance services. This includes checking other fluids, brake replacement, transmission work, system tune-ups, and more. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure what your vehicle needs. We’ll get you on the perfect vehicle maintenance plan by going down our maintenance checklist. Performing regular vehicle maintenance is the best way to prevent major car problems in the future.
Why Is My Car Overheating – Frequently Asked Questions
If your vehicle is overheating, bring it into our shop as soon as possible. Driving with an engine that is overheating can cause major issues. Here at Kernersville Auto Center, we have experiencing answering the question, “Why is my car overheating?” Whether this is happening due to an issue with your cooling system, oil, or something else, we’re here to help. Here are a few frequently asked questions we get about overheating engines:
If my car will still drive, can I put off the repair?
We don’t recommend this, because you could cause long-term damage that we can’t repair without a very expensive engine rebuild. As soon as you notice an issue, bring your car to our team.
How do I know if my engine is overheating?
Most cars will tell you there is an overheating issue. You’ll see a light on your dashboard to indicate there is a problem. Other common signs include a hood that is VERY hot to the touch, a pool of coolant on the ground under your car, a loud ticking or thumping noise coming from your engine, steam coming from under your hood, and a “hot” smell. You’ll typically also notice a lack of engine power.
What will it cost to repair an overheating engine?
It depends on the problem. We’ll start by diagnosing the issue, and then we’ll talk to you about the repair options and costs. We always make sure we give you a fair and transparent quote so you know exactly how much you’ll pay before we start the repair. In addition, we have a loyalty program so you can earn points to put toward future repairs. Our goal is always to provide quality repairs at a price you can afford.
How long will it take to repair an overheating engine?
Again, it depends on the problem. Some problems are extremely easy to fix. Other times, we may need to order specific parts of your vehicle, so it could take more time. Once we know what the problem is, we can give you a more accurate idea about how long it will take to repair.
Will my car’s warranty be void if I bring my car to you?
You don’t need to go to a dealership for vehicle repairs. Most warranties simply require that you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. If you bring your car to us for an overheating issue or any other repair, we’ll ensure that your warranty remains valid. We’ll also help you stay on track with maintenance to ensure you don’t void your warranty. If you have questions about your warranty, just bring it with you. We’ll happily look over what is covered and answer any questions you may have about it.
Do I need an appointment?
If you’re still wondering why is my car overheating, we do recommend making an appointment. This allows you to get the fastest service possible. However, you can also stop by anytime during our open hours to inquire about service availability. We always try to get people back on the road as fast as possible.
Booking an appointment is fast through our online system. Simply click here to schedule a time that works best for you.
