It’s scary to think about your car overheating. There are many reasons why a cooling system may not work properly, but some are more serious than others. Here are some of the most common reasons for overheating courtesy of your helpful Jeep dealer in Aberdeen, MD:
Broken Radiator Cap
A faulty radiator cap can cause the engine temperature to rise dangerously high. If your radiator cap isn’t sealing properly, it will alter the cooling system’s pressure. Fixing a bad radiator cap is a common repair and one that can help you avoid serious problems in the future.
Low Coolant Level
Your car’s engine runs at very high temperatures, so much so that it needs special cooling fluid (known as antifreeze) to keep from overheating and burning out its internal components. If you don’t have enough coolant in your car’s system, the heat generated by combustion won’t be dispersed properly throughout the engine block, which can also lead to overheating issues.
Thermostat Malfunction
If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it can also cause overheating. The thermostat regulates the temperature in the engine and keeps the coolant from flowing in until after the engine has warmed. When the thermostat is broken, the coolant may not flow into the engine at the right time, risking overheating.
Coolant Leak
If you notice coolant leaking underneath the vehicle, you should bring the car in right away. A leak can happen due to a failed water pump, a faulty radiator cap, or if a hose is worn out.
Radiator Fan
The radiator fan circulates air through the radiator to cool off the engine. If the fan is not working correctly, the engine will overheat. The cooling system includes several components that work together to keep your vehicle’s engine from overheating: radiator coolant, water pump, and more. If one of these parts fails, it can cause an issue with the other components in your vehicle’s cooling system.
If your radiator fan is not working, you may experience rising engine temperatures and decreased fuel economy. At some point, you may see smoke coming from under the hood. If you have an issue with your cooling system, it’s important to schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.
Damaged Water Pump
If your water pump has been damaged or is not working properly, then coolant will not be able to circulate through the engine when it needs to. This can lead to overheating and eventual failure of other parts of your vehicle’s cooling system.
If you notice that your car is overheating or if you’re experiencing any of the other symptoms listed above, it’s important to contact an expert mechanic immediately. Schedule a service appointment with Adams Jeep of Maryland’s Service Department as soon as possible to have your vehicle’s cooling system checked out by one of our technicians.
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