A sudden warning light on the dash is never a good sign, nor is the engine temperature reading going up. Every driver may experience the stress of their car overheating at some point, but rest assured your Kia dealer in Lanham, MD, can help you. Here are 8 top reasons why your car might overheat.
Engine Coolant Level Is Wrong
This is the most common reason for overheating. Too little coolant causes overheating, but the higher pressure in the system from too much coolant will also cause temperature rises. Checking your coolant level regularly is a cheap and easy way to prevent expensive future problems.
Coolant Hose Leaks
Temperature variations and environmental conditions can, over time, cause hoses to lose their elasticity and become brittle. It takes just a small weakness in a hose under pressure to become a leak, and the loss of coolant will inevitably lead to overheating if it is not replaced quickly.
Loose Hose Clamps
Over time due to movement, hose clamps can start to loosen. The hose can also shrink, and loosen them, and coolant will start to leak out. Securely fitted clamps will keep this potential problem at bay.
Broken Thermostat
The thermostat is essentially a switch, controlling the flow of coolant and regulating engine temperature by opening and releasing coolant when the engine gets too hot. General usage, especially in a high-mileage car, can cause it to wear and jam in a closed position. Without the flow of coolant, a car will start to overheat.
Thermal Switch on the Radiator
This switch controls the radiator fan, which will switch on when the coolant temperature rises. Material wear and tear can cause it to malfunction, causing the coolant temperature to rise and the engine to overheat.
Broken Water Pump
This is a potentially serious and expensive problem that is very easy to avoid. The water pump is a turbine, pushing coolant through the system and it is driven by the camshaft timing belt. Replacing the water pump when the timing belt is replaced can prevent a problem from ever occurring.
A Clogged or Cracked Radiator
The radiator’s purpose is to lower engine temperature. Engine heat is carried by the coolant through the radiator, where the airflow cools it and recirculates it back into the system. Over time, the pipes can become clogged, reducing the radiator cooling effect, and any crack in the radiator can cause loss of coolant. In either case, the engine temperature will start to rise.
Clog in the Coolant System
If the coolant system is blocked, an engine will easily overheat. While it’s a common problem, it is also completely avoidable. The usual reason is using tap water or low-grade coolant that causes a scale build-up that blocks the pipes.
Car Overheating? Get Your Kia Serviced in Lanham, MD Here
Visit us at DARCARS Lanham Kia, and our highly trained Kia Service Department can repair these or any other potential issue you may encounter. Our exceptional service will keep you and your Kia safe and on the road. Get an appointment for service booked today!
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