What Causes A Car To Overheat In The Summer & Tips To Fix

Posted on 25^th, August 2022

Everyone anticipates that the temperature will rise throughout the summer, but when the temperature begins to grow inside of you, that’s an entirely different story. Addressing how to fix an overheated car immediately is crucial if you wonder, “why is my car overheating?” It’s critical to understand what causes your car’s engine to overheat, how to prevent it, and what to do if it does. For example, an overheated engine can leave you stranded on the side of the road and result in costly repairs.

Why Does My Vehicle Overheat?

While it’s usual to attribute that steam pouring from beneath your hood to the summer heat, the temperatures don’t change by themselves, causing your car to overheat. The weather is less likely to be the cause of an overheated engine today because liquid-based cooling systems have taken the place of the older air-based cooling techniques. (A car can overheat for a variety of causes.) Instead, an overheating engine frequently indicates an issue underneath the hood.

The problem boils down to heat being trapped in the engine area. These are a few of the potential causes:

• Your coolant is leaking. It’s a fantastic spot to start your search because this is one of the most frequent causes of auto overheating. Your cooling system can leak in several locations, including your radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat housing. If you can locate the leak, you might be able to plug it in temporarily, but you should still take your automobile to repair to make sure the issue is fixed long-term.
• The coolant is having difficulty. When just one type of automotive coolant was available, keeping your automobile cool was relatively straightforward. Today, however, there are two types of coolants: the older one, Dex-Cool, which is orange in colour and employs organic acids to prevent corrosion, and the original (green) antifreeze, which is made to protect the metals in your vehicle’s cooling system. Since they do not interact and produce a thick gel that cannot pass through your system, mixing the two can seriously harm your car (and your wallet). That will impact everything, including the head gaskets, water pump, and heater and radiator cores.
• You have a damaged water pump. The water pump in your car is essential for keeping the engine cool. Overheating can occur if it cannot circulate the coolant through your system.
• Coolant hose obstruction Road debris and sediment might enter your system and obstruct fluid flow through the hoses. The best action in this situation is to have your mechanic refill the coolant tank with fresh fluid and flush the system.
• It would help if you fixed your radiator. For example, an issue with the radiator fan makes it unable to remove heat from your engine, which might cause overheating.
• The thermostat is frozen. Your thermostat can’t control the coolant flow while it’s malfunctioning. Your engine will eventually overheat if stuck closed since it will entirely prevent the hot coolant from leaving the engine.
• Your air conditioning unit could be having a problem. Many drivers may be bewildered during the summer and wonder, “why is my AC not working in my car?” Most parts that make up the air conditioning system are powered by the engine, adding to its stress. Additionally, a defective AC condenser could produce too much heat.

When My Car Overheats, What Should I Do?

You can do a few things in that situation to deal with the issue safely. Learning ways to fix an overheated car in advance of a crisis, as with any form of auto emergency, can keep you safer and reduce the amount of harm done to your automobile. 5 tips for an overheated car are:-

• The King Of Coolants

It is a must to remember to frequently check the coolant levels in your car(s) and top them off during the summer.

• Always Park Under a Tree.

This is an obvious one that is frequently overlooked when you’re pressed for time. Not only can parking in the shade keep your car cool, but

• Blackout

Not only do celebrities and the mafia use tinted windows, but your windows should also be tinted to keep your car cool.

• Maintain That AC Unit.

Instead of using the re-circulation setting on your air conditioner, try using the fresh air setting. If you don’t, you’ll just be blowing that hot, trapped air around your car when you first turn it on.

• Flush

One thing you may do at the beginning of the summer is to have a mechanic flush your radiator. It is because, even if you successfully maintain the proper engine coolant levels, a lot of dirt can still enter over time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the biggest cause of overheating for Aussie drivers in summer?

The main culprit is often low coolant, mate. Extreme heat puts extra strain on your engine, and if your radiator fluid level is low or the fluid itself is old and inefficient, it can’t dissipate heat fast enough, leading to your car overheating.

2. What are the immediate ways to fix an overheated car when I’m pulled over safely?

If the temperature gauge spikes, the immediate ways to fix an overheated car are to pull over safely and turn the engine off. Turning the cabin heater on full blast can sometimes draw heat away from the engine as a temporary fix. Crucially, never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

3. What are the most common component failures that cause a car to overheat?

The common failures we see are usually simple fixes: a faulty thermostat (which doesn’t open to allow coolant flow), a broken radiator fan, or a leak in one of the radiator hoses. These simple issues interrupt the system’s ability to cycle coolant, which is why proper maintenance is key.

4. Are there any simple preventative ways to fix an overheated car before summer hits?

Absolutely. The best preventative ways to fix an overheated car are regular checks. Simply inspect your radiator and coolant hoses for leaks or cracks, and top up your coolant to the recommended level. A quick visual check of your radiator fins for debris (like leaves or bugs) can also help airflow.

5. How long should I wait before trying to drive again after my car overheats?

You need to wait until the engine has cooled completely—at least 30 to 45 minutes, or until the temperature gauge reads normal. Driving even a short distance while overheated can cause severe, permanent damage to the engine block or cylinder head gasket, leading to massive repair bills.

6. Is adding tap water to the radiator a good short-term way to fix an overheated car?

It can be used in an emergency if you have no other choice and the engine has cooled down. However, plain tap water can cause corrosion. Once you get to a safe spot, you should drain the system and refill it with the correct coolant mix as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.