Why is My Car Overheating

What Does It Mean When a Car Overheats?

So, what causes a car to overheat? There’s no one simple answer to this question. Nevertheless, there’s no debating that an overheating car indicates that there’s a bigger problem to address. Some of the most common reasons a car would overheat are:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – Most often, a leak in the cooling system is what’s causing your car to overheat. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all components of the cooling system, and all can be susceptible to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – If the wrong coolant was put in your car, or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your engine may be prone to overheating.
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – The next possible culprit is the coolant hose. There are plenty of opportunities for dirt and debris to get in your cooling system on Mill Valley roads. Unfortunately, this can cause blockages in the coolant hose.
• There’s an issue with the radiator – Radiator issues are another common reason a car would overheat. There could be a blockage, a leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan, and all could cause a car to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – The water pump sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system. Yours may be suffering from a leak or a shifted pump shaft, both of which often cause overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Knowing what it means when a car overheats and the possible causes is only half the battle. You still want a solution on how to fix your overheating Honda. Unfortunately, you may not notice the symptoms until you’re already on the road. Nonetheless, we’ve broken down a few remedies you can rely on to beat the heat in your malfunctioning vehicle:

• Turn off your air conditioning and run your heat at full blast. It’ll be uncomfortable, but it will help draw heat away from your engine.
• If you’re driving, pull over immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes before popping the hood – this will keep you safe from burns and also help cool off your engine.
• Call a tow service to pick up your car and bring it to our Marin Honda Repair Store

Get Your Honda Repaired at Marin Honda

You know what to do if your car overheats on San Rafael roads. Get it towed in to Marin Honda and get the cost-effective repairs you deserve. We even offer a wide variety of service specials to keep your maintenance as affordable as possible!