Why is My Car Overheating?

If you know what causes a car to overheat, you can hopefully avoid this frightening situation while you’re out in Tulsa. But just in case, every driver should also know what to do when a car overheats. James Hodge Toyota wants to help you stay safe out there, so we’ve put together a simple guide with the reasons a car would overheat and what to do if you’re ever in this situation.

Reasons a Car Would Overheat

What does it mean when your car overheats? If you’re out in McAlester and your car unexpectedly starts to overheat, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right under the hood. Here are some of the most common reasons a car would overheat:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system. Coolant helps regulate the engine’s temperature, so if there’s a leak in the cooling system, your car can overheat. This is one of the most common causes of overheating. Within the cooling system, the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all components that can get a leak.
• There’s a problem with your coolant or coolant ratio. Your car requires a specific type of coolant, which is noted in the owner’s manual. If the wrong coolant is used, the car could overheat. If the right coolant is used but the ratio is off (it shold be 50:50), the engine could also overheat as a result.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose. If dirt and debris enter the cooling system, they can cause a blockage in the coolant hose and lead to the engine overheating.
• There’s an issue with the radiator. The radiator can experience plenty of issues itself, like a blockage, leak, or broken radiator fan. Unfortunately, any of these issues can cause the engine to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken. The water pump is responsible for carrying coolant throughout the cooling system. The pump shaft can get shifted out of place, causing the engine to overheat. The water pump is susceptible to leaks, which can also cause overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

If you see smoke or steam coming from under the hood of your car, it means the engine is overheating. Do not attempt to keep driving. Pull over to a safe spot. Running the heat on full blast will help pull some heat away from the engine while you wait for help. Do not attempt to open your hood when your car is overheating because the heat and steam can cause severe burns! Your safest course of action is to call a towing service to bring your car to your preferred service center, and don’t attempt to fix anything yourself while you wait.

Our Service Center Has You Covered

If you’re in the Muskogee area and your car overheats, you can bring it to the service center at James Hodge Toyota for trusted help and compassion. Our service techs will get your car back into a safe, reliable operating condition. If you have any other service questions, please feel free to contact us and explore more service tips on our website! We’re here to help you enjoy a stress-free car ownership experience.