Car overheating is a major concern for Australian car owners, especially in the intense heat of summer. Excessive temperatures in an engine can lead to irreparable internal issues to a vehicle, and, in such cases, very expensive repairs or replacement of the engine can be incurred. Various factors, such as a low coolant level, a broken thermostat, a blocked radiator, or a faulty water pump, can lead to a car being overheated. Hot weather intensifies these conditions like car overheating, so it is important for all car owners to check their cars' cooling systems on a regular basis.
Visit the BCS Workshop website, where a team of experienced mechanics can help you prevent car overheating by understanding the cause.
This blog will highlight small issues before they grow bigger, taking car owners far in avoiding breakdowns and ensuring their driving is smooth and stress-free.
Common Reasons for Car Overheating
Here are the reasons for car overheating:
1. Low Coolant Levels
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps regulate engine temperature. A low coolant level can lead to excessive heat buildup, causing the engine to overheat. Regularly check the coolant reservoir and top it up if necessary.
2. Leaking Cooling System
Leaks in the radiator, hoses, or water pump can cause a drop in coolant levels, leading to overheating. Look for visible coolant leaks under the car or signs of dried coolant residue around the engine bay.
3. Thermostat
The thermostat operates the coolant flow into the engine. When stuck in a closed position, the circulation of the coolant does not happen properly, and an overheating situation may ensue.
4. Clogged Radiator
A radiator clogged up or dirty restricts airflow and heat dissipation, resulting in severe overheating. Clean the radiator or check for obstructions routinely to avoid this problem.
5. Faulty Water Pump
The task of pumping water is to keep the coolant circulating throughout the engine. A damaged or failing pump could interfere with these functions and lead to overheating.
6. Broken Cooling Fan
The cooling fan is primarily meant to be responsible for the regulation of the temperature of the engine when it is slow-moving. A faulty fan or any electrical failure can trigger such overheating, especially on summer days.
7. Low Level of Engine Oil
Engine oil serves a double purpose; one is the lubrication of movable engine parts as well as heat transfer. Reduced levels of engine oil boost friction and heating of the engine, hence possibly causing overheating.
8. Air Conditioning Overload
Continuous operation of the air conditioning unit, especially in extreme heat, builds further pressure on the condition of the engine, thus causing overheating.
To learn more about the common causes in detail read our latest blog
Common Causes of Cooling System Overheating and Prevention Tips
Preventive Measures
Here are the preventive measures:
1. Regular Coolant Checks
Make sure that the coolant is at the proper level, adding more if necessary and using the correct type of coolant. The recommended ratio of 50/50 for coolant and distilled water tends to be the most efficient.
2. Check the Cooling System
Inspect the radiator, hoses, and water pump, looking for leaks, cracks, or corrosion; if any problems are located, you might want to take your vehicle to the nearest trusted car repair service.
3. Radiator Flushing
Rust and debris tend to build up in the radiator as time passes on, hence affecting radiator efficiency. Flushing it every 40,000 to 60,000 km ensures its smooth circulation and avoids blockage.
4. Monitor the Thermostat
Any fluctuations in temperature or longer heating times should be used as signs that there is a need to take the thermostat in for replacement.
5. Check the Cooling Fan
Ensure the cooling fan activates when the engine gets hot. If it fails, contact a car air conditioner repair near you for a thorough inspection.
6. Maintain Proper Engine Oil Levels
Check the oil regularly and change it as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Use high-quality oil that meets your car’s specifications.
7. Reduce AC Usage in Extreme Heat
During extremely hot conditions, try to limit the use of air conditioning when possible to reduce the strain on the engine.
8. Avoid Heavy Traffic & Aggressive Driving
Frequent stop-and-go traffic increases engine temperature. If possible, plan routes to avoid traffic congestion. Also, avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, which contribute to overheating.
What to do if your car overheats
Here are the things you can do if your car overheats :
- Turn off the AC & turn on the heater - This helps redirect heat away from the engine.
- Pull over safely - Stop in a safe location and turn off the engine to allow it to cool down.
- Check coolant levels - If the coolant is low, wait for the engine to cool before adding more.
- Do not open the radiator cap - Opening the cap while the engine is hot can result in serious burns.
- Seek professional assistance - If the issue persists, search for car repair near you or visit a trusted BMW mechanic near you for servicing.
Professional Car Overheating Repairs in Australia
If you drive a high-performance vehicle like a BMW, then you need to have the overheating issues professionally serviced. A trusted BMW service provider will thoroughly diagnose and repair your vehicle for better engine performance. While looking for BMW services near you, go to an experienced mechanic at BCS Workshop who knows about European car repairs.
Take Away
Car overheating can be very serious, but in most cases, it can be avoided. Regular coolant level checks, cooling system checks, and taking the car to a garage when in doubt will manage to keep your car in a well-tuned state. If you are facing problems regularly regarding your vehicle's overheating. In that case, it is better to contact BCS Workshop and have your setup prevented from damaging your vehicle.
Digiwhiz