What Causes the Engine to Overheat When Accelerating?
2 Answers
Engine overheating when accelerating is usually caused by air trapped in the radiator, which can be resolved by bleeding the air. Here are the methods to remove air from the radiator: Check the coolant: Open the engine compartment when the engine is cold and check if the coolant level is sufficient. The coolant reservoir has MAX and MIN level marks. If the level is below the MIN mark when the engine is cold, add coolant according to the marked levels on the reservoir. Idle circulation: Drain the old antifreeze and flush the fluid channels with clean water. Let clean water continuously flow through the engine cooling system, then start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Continue adding clean water until the water flowing out is clear.
I noticed the engine overheats when accelerating, which is a common issue usually related to cooling problems. Insufficient or leaking coolant, a radiator clogged with debris, a faulty water pump failing to circulate coolant, a thermostat stuck in the closed position blocking circulation, or a malfunctioning fan sensor preventing the fan from spinning—all these components, if aged or contaminated, can easily cause inadequate cooling when engine load increases during acceleration. Remember to first pop the hood and check the coolant level, topping it off with distilled water or specialized coolant as a temporary fix. But be cautious, as overheating can lead to blown head gaskets or cylinder damage, so seek professional repair promptly. Preventive measures include regular coolant changes and radiator inspection/cleaning.
