Engine Overheating and Car Radiator Service in Lincoln Park03.24.2022 | Okan Sengullu
Your vehicle’s engine can overheat any time of the year. Here are some of the main causes and what you can do about them.
1. Low coolant
Maintaining an adequate coolant level is essential to keep your engine from overheating. The coolant circulating through the engine absorbs heat that the coolant moves to the radiator. The radiator fan helps reduce the temperature of the coolant that recirculates through the engine, repeating the cooling cycle.
A low coolant level may indicate a leak in your cooling system, possibly in the radiator hose. These leaks can be extremely hard to find, however, and it’s a good idea to have your favorite mechanic check for the source of the leak.
2. Low oil level or oil that’s old and dirty
The oil in your engine plays a dual role. Obviously, it lubricates the moving parts of the engine, but in addition, by reducing friction it helps prevent your engine from overheating. Old engine oil containing large quantities of contaminants doesn’t lubricate and reduce friction as well as clean, fresh oil.
With today’s lubricants, you can usually drive 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. This can vary, however, depending on your driving conditions. Be sure to check your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding oil changes.
3. Bad water pump
The job of the water pump is to keep the coolant flowing through your engine, and if it’s clogged or failing, your engine is going to overheat. One thing that can contribute to this problem is failing to replace your coolant on a regular basis. Old, dirty coolant can lead to a clogged, unworkable water pump.
4. Bad thermostat
The thermostat is a simple device, but its role is vital. Its job is to read the engine’s temperature correctly and keep the coolant circulating. If it’s not doing its job, coolant won’t circulate as it should, leading to engine overheating.
Replacing the thermostat is a pretty simple fix, but if it’s not done, and your engine continues to overheat, that could lead to serious engine problems.
5. Radiator issues
A common radiator problem is a faulty cooling fan that’s not operating properly and not reducing the heat of the coolant as it circulates through the radiator. If you’re having overheating problems, have your mechanic check the operation of the radiator fan.
6. Damaged radiator cap
In addition to a faulty radiator fan, something as simple as a damaged radiator cap can lead to overheating. The job of the radiator cap is to keep the cooling system in your vehicle properly pressurized. If it’s damaged, the coolant may boil off, leaving you with an overheated engine. If the cap looks damaged in any way, buy a new one at the nearest auto parts shop and replace it.
Expert Auto Repair and Auto Engine Diagnostics in Lincoln Park
For the very best in radiator repair and service, and other engine diagnostics, you can never go wrong choosing Bucaro Brothers Auto Care. We’re conveniently located in Lincoln Park, and our ASE certified technicians can provide full service on all makes and models of vehicles, both domestic and foreign.
So, if you’re having radiator cooling problems or your check engine light keeps coming on, come by Bucaro Brothers auto shop today for our expert repair and maintenance services. We promise, we’ll have you back on the road and on your way in no time at all!
We handle all your car needs in order to get it healthy and on the road again.
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