We hope you will never have to wonder why your car is overheating. However, if you experience an overheating engine, the professionals at your Lexus dealer can help. Here are four probable causes for your car overheating.
1. Coolant
Your engine relies on coolant to keep it from overheating, which is sold in concentrated and premixed forms. When purchasing a premixed coolant, you need to check and make sure that the mix has a temperature range that matches your climate. Concentrated coolants need to add water to achieve the correct temperature range for the environment where you live. When the coolant isn’t mixed correctly, it can cause your engine to overheat.
In addition to incorrect or improperly mixed coolant, your car will overheat if your coolant levels are too low. Low coolant can be caused by loose hose clamps, worn-out hoses, and even cracks in your radiator. If you notice puddles of coolant under your vehicle, you may be leaking coolant. Your local dealership will be able to diagnose the issue for you.
2. Thermostat
Your cooling system utilizes a thermostat that allows water to pass when your vehicle’s engine temperature rises. However, a faulty or broken thermostat isn’t going to let the coolant flow and can cause overheating. If you suspect you are experiencing issues with a faulty thermostat, check your vehicle documentation and take it to a trusted mechanic.
3. Engine Oil
Another issue that can cause overheating is when your vehicle doesn’t have enough engine oil to lubricate all of the moving parts. The lack of oil causes an increase in friction that causes a corresponding jump in heat production. Check your oil levels to ensure that you have enough oil and that the oil is not black. Extremely dark or black oil needs to be changed.
4. Radiator Fan
Many older model vehicles use belt-driven radiator fans to cool the engine. Most newer model vehicles utilize small electric motors to drive the radiator fan. This fan cycles on and off during driving when the cooling system needs it. While the car is running and parked, this fan should be running when the engine is hot. If the radiator fan is broken, it can cause the vehicle to overheat.
Now that you know some of the common causes of an overheating engine, how can you prevent your engine from overheating in the first place? Checking your coolant levels regularly is a great first step. You can also visually inspect your cooling system. When all else fails and your engine is overheating, our certified technicians can diagnose and repair the issue quickly. Contact us at Lexus of Wilmington and schedule an appointment today.
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