Why is My Car Overheating?

Our World Ford Pensacola team is dedicated to making sure that our fellow drivers in Pensacola, Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach are as prepared as they can be whenever they’re out on the road. In this case, we’ve provided you with the following information to help you out in the event you find yourself in the middle of a drive and your engine suddenly starts to overheat.

We will be covering possible causes of an overheating engine as well as what you can do if you find yourself in this particular situation.

Your Car’s Engine is Running Low on Oil

One of the main purposes of motor oil is to keep the temperature inside the engine at a moderate level. This is pertinent to the engine’s longevity as well as to its proper performance. If the oil starts to get too low, it could result in the engine overheating.

An Aging Battery

If overheating is becoming a common concern, it might be that your battery is getting too old to be able to provide the amount of power that the car needs. The increased workload on the engine could be causing it to overheat.

Coolant Issues

If it’s the coolant that is creating your overheating predicament, it could be that you’re using the wrong type or that it’s the wrong coolant to water ratio. In either case, the coolant would need to be flushed and replaced with the right kind and ratio. To find out the correct coolant information for your vehicle, be sure to consult your owner’s manual.

Problems with the Cooling System

It’s possible that dirt could be getting into the radiator hoses. The resulting blockage can cause overheating. Other possibilities include a leak in the head gasket, water pump, or hose, or a broken radiator fan.

What to do if Your Car Begins to Overheat

If during one of your daily commutes, you notice that the temperature gauge on the dashboard is in the red, you’re going to want to pull over as soon as you can. Once you’re in a safe spot, shut off the car and wait for about 10 minutes to allow the engine to cool down before attempting to open the hood. Once enough time has gone by, go ahead and check the coolant level. If it’s low, fill it to the add line.

Stay Up to Date with Your Vehicle’s Regular Maintenance

If you’re in Pensacola, Crestview, or Fort Walton Beach and have questions pertaining to any of the above reasons that your car might be overheating or what you should do if it ever happens to you, don’t hesitate to give us a call, shoot over an email, or simply stop by and see us. We’ll be happy to discuss it with you.

If you’re currently having issues with your car overheating or you’d like to have any aspect of its regular maintenance performed, contact World Ford Pensacola to schedule your appointment with our service center today.