Why is My Car Overheating?

While there can be a variety of reasons for your vehicle overheating, all causes require immediate attention by a licensed service technician. There is a “normal” range for the temperature gauge, but most cars tend to operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you notice that your vehicle is far exceeding that, do not drive your car. Doing so can risk your and your passenger’s safety as well as cause bigger issues.

If you want to know more about the reasons a car would overheat and learn what to do in the event of this problem when you’re on the road in Tampa, contact us for more information or schedule an appointment with our service center team.

What Does it Mean When Your Car Overheats?

An overheated car is a clear signal to you that there is a bigger issue to take care of. Here are the most common reasons overheating might happen:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – Most often, a leak in the cooling system is what’s causing your car to overheat. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all components of the cooling system, and all can be susceptible to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – If the wrong coolant was put in your car, or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine may be prone to overheating.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – The next possible culprit is the coolant hose. There are plenty of opportunities for dirt and debris to get in your cooling system on Town ‘n’ Country roads. Unfortunately, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose.
• There’s an issue with the radiator – Radiator issues are another common reason a car would overheat. There could be a blockage, a leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan, and all could cause a car to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – The water pump sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system. Yours may be suffering from a leak or a shifted pump shaft, both of which often cause overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Unfortunately, your car may not overheat until you’ve already hit the road in St. Petersburg. If you’re running the air conditioning, turn it off and instead run your heat at full blast. It may be uncomfortable, but it will help pull heat off your engine. When you’re able to pull over to safety, you should not attempt to pop the hood by hand for at least 30 minutes. The best way to maintain your safety and that of nearby drivers is to call a towing service to pick your car up and bring it to your mechanic of choice.

Trust the Subaru of South Tampa Service Department Team!

Still not sure what to do when your car overheats? That’s okay. Our Tampa service center team is here and happy to help. Let us help you get back out on the road as quickly as possible so you can continue doing what you do best. Be sure to take a look at our service specials for savings before your next visit.