Why Is My Car Overheating?

What causes a car to overheat? Not sure why your car is overheating or what to do when a car overheats? Then you’ve come to the right place. Every car has a “normal” temperature that varies slightly per model. Your vehicle should operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice your car temperature is higher than normal, don’t drive it. To figure out what the problem is with your car, we’ll look at the reasons a car would overheat to find the best solution for you.

What Causes a Car to Overheat?

Why is my car overheating? This common question can have several different answers. An overheating car is a cause for concern to many Nashville drivers, but Music City Autoplex can help find the answer. See below for possible answers to what causes a car to overheat.

• Cooling system leak — A leak in your cooling system can cause your car to overheat. The Radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat can leak, causing your car to overheat.
• Coolant levels are off — If you put the wrong type of coolant in your car or the coolant levels are off (50/50 coolant to water ratio is correct), it can cause your car to overheat.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose — If dirt and debris are blocking the coolant hose, this will cause overheating.
• There’s an issue with the radiator — Blockage in your radiator can also cause overheating.
• Your car’s water pump is broken — Your car’s water pump sends coolant throughout its system to regulate its temperature and prevent overheating. If the pump shaft has shifted or leaks, it won’t be able to keep your car cool.

Contact us for further reasons why your car is overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Sometimes your car won’t wait until you’re safely back home in Clarksville before it starts overheating. If your car starts overheating on Hendersonville roads, pull over to safety as soon as you can. Turn off your air conditioner and put the heat on full blast. Turning on the heat will pull heat away from the engine. Do not attempt to open the hood for at least thirty minutes. Call a towing service and have your car towed to the nearest service center.

Browse Our Used Car Inventory at Music City Autoplex

Are you spending more time paying to fix your car than you do driving it? It’s probably time to start shopping for a new-to-you vehicle. Music City Autoplex has a vast inventory of used SUVs, sedans, and trucks. Learn how to shop smarter by exploring our car buying tips. When you’re ready to start shopping for a used car, use our car buying checklist to make the process easier.