An overheating vehicle can quickly put an end to your weekend plans, and it can also leave you with an expensive repair bill. Leaks, cracks, and damage to components can all cause your vehicle to overheat, which in turn can lead to more problems down the road. If you face an engine that is running too hot, it's best to pull to the side of the road, turn off your car, and get a certified mechanic to help.
Cooling System Leaks
A leak in your car's cooling system is the primary cause of an engine overheating. Leaks can arise from several places, including the water pump, heater core, head gaskets, radiator, and freeze plugs. Sometimes, you might be able to tell that the cooling system is starting to leak based on a few symptoms, including a sweet smell coming from your car when it's running or pools of green or blue-colored liquid when the vehicle is parked.
Broken Thermostat
The thermostat is a valve in your car's cooling system that allows the coolant fluid to enter the radiator as necessary. If the thermostat becomes stuck, the coolant fluid cannot pass through, which means that it stays in the engine and becomes too hot as a result. A mechanic can check the thermostat to see if it needs to be replaced before more serious problems.
Bad Radiator
The radiator is another part that can develop problems. The radiator can stop working due to several reasons, including clogs and leaks. When the radiator is impaired, it cannot draw heat from the engine and cooling system, which in turn leads to overheating.
Insufficient Oil or Coolant Fluid
Your vehicle requires a certain volume of coolant fluid and oil to operate correctly. These liquids are naturally consumed by your car over time, but they can also drain out more quickly than normal due to leaks. If your vehicle is low on oil or coolant fluid, you might notice a warning light that comes on in your dashboard indicating lower than normal fluid levels. You might also notice a burning smell as you're driving, accompanied by smoke coming out from underneath the hood.
Worn or Cracked Hoses
The hoses in your vehicle's engine or cooling system can interfere with the car's performance. If the hoses become cracked, coolant fluid will drain out as a result, which means the cooling system won't get the circulating coolant fluid required to keep the engine and its components cool.
Contact our dealership for help today if your car is overheating.
Although Honda's roots trace back to Japan, it's become one of the United States' most beloved automotive names. For decades, drivers have praised its dependable cars, SUVs, and other offerings, and many remain on the road well past their model years. Beyond appealing to daily commuters, Honda has maintained a strong bond with the Pro Motocross Championship (PMC), recently renewing its sponsorship for an upcoming Michigan round.
We use cookies and browser activity to improve your experience, personalize content and ads, and to analyze how our sites are used. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy and Review our Terms.