What Causes a Car to Overheat?
2 Answers
Car overheating is caused by a non-functioning radiator fan, poor radiator cooling, or insufficient coolant. The details are as follows: Radiator fan not working: The simplest way to check if the radiator fan is functioning properly is to turn on the car's air conditioning system. If the air conditioning compressor is running but the fan is not, then the fan is definitely faulty. Poor radiator cooling: This situation often occurs during April and May when there is an abundance of willow catkins and cotton fluff. To check, simply open the engine hood and observe whether the radiator behind the bumper is clogged with excessive debris. If the radiator is severely blocked, it needs to be cleaned at a repair shop. Insufficient coolant: This is a relatively easy condition to observe. Just open the engine compartment and check whether the coolant level meets the required standard. Water pump malfunction: The water pump belt may slip or idle due to prolonged use. The main characteristic of this issue is that it returns to normal after pressing the accelerator and maintaining it for a while.
As a long-distance driving enthusiast, I've encountered engine overheating issues several times. The most common problem is a malfunctioning cooling system, such as insufficient or leaking coolant. This fluid is responsible for heat dissipation, and without enough of it, the engine temperature can skyrocket quickly. A broken water pump is even worse, as it stops the liquid from circulating, rendering the entire radiator ineffective. Radiator blockage is also a significant issue—I've seen dust or insects clogging the vents, preventing heat from escaping. A faulty thermostat might get stuck and fail to open. Fan failure is particularly common in traffic jams; if the electric fan stops, the engine overheats. Additionally, insufficient engine oil increases friction, generating extra heat. These problems are more likely to occur in hot weather. For prevention, I recommend checking the coolant level weekly and replacing it if it appears cloudy. If the temperature gauge rises, stop immediately and turn on the heater to help dissipate heat—don't push the engine, as this could lead to severe damage like a blown head gasket or other costly repairs. For long-term maintenance, focus on cleaning the radiator and regularly replacing the coolant.
