When you see your car overheat, it can cause various issues, including engine damage, stalling, and even shutting off. Several factors, such as a broken water pump, broken radiator cap, or low coolant levels, can cause overheating.
When a car overheats and shuts off, it is typically a sign that the engine has reached a critical temperature level. This can happen suddenly, without any warning signs, or it may be preceded by a red light blinking or an engine temperature gauge moving into the red zone.
After the engine cools down, it may be possible to start the car again, but it is important to address the underlying cause of the overheating to prevent damage. This may involve checking coolant levels and the radiator temperature, inspecting the radiator and water pump for leaks, or seeking the assistance of a mechanic. Coolant level sensors should check coolant leakage and warn you before your coolant leakage leaves your system dry.
Overheated engines may sometimes require costly replacements, such as a new water pump or a head gasket. In our guide, you can learn more about car overheating, won t start but turns over. By the end, you’ll better understand what causes and what to do when car or engine stalls or overheats. Ultimately, you’ll know how to sort the issue, and how to start car after overheating. (Learn How To Remove A Stripped Bolt From A Car)
Why Do Engines Overheat?
When you have a car engine overheating, it can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. Understanding what causes a car to overheat can help prevent future problems and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Here are some common causes of car overheating:
Low Coolant
One of the most frequent causes of a car overheating is a low coolant level. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, absorbs heat from the engine and prevents it from overheating. If your coolant level is low, the engine can quickly overheat and cause damage. Check your coolant level regularly and add more if needed.
Damaged Radiator
The radiator is responsible for cooling the engine by transferring the coolant’s heat through the coolant channel before it returns. If the radiator or coolant hose is damaged, it can’t keep the engine in the car cool effectively, and the coolant level monitors may shut off the engine as a precaution. Signs of a damaged radiator include leaks, cracks, and bent fins.
Other common causes of cars overheating include a faulty water pump, a stuck thermostat, a damaged head gasket, and a faulty radiator fan, or missing coolant cap. If your vehicle’s engine overheats, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent damage to your cylinder heads.
Here are some steps you can take if you see a warning light:
- Turn off the vehicle’s engine immediately.
- Place a warning triangle behind your car to alert other drivers.
- Consult your owner’s manual to determine how to check the coolant level and add more if necessary.
- Wait for the engine to cool down before attempting to start it again.
- If the engine overheats and shuts off frequently, call a tow truck to take it to a certified mechanic.
Why Is My Car Overheating When it Has Coolant In It?
Cooling System Leak:
A coolant leak is one reason for an engine to overheat. Coolant is necessary to keep the coolant temperature in range and stop engines from overheating, and if there is a leak, the coolant drops, resulting in overheated engines.
Common causes of coolant leaks include a damaged hose or a broken pump. Over time, hoses can wear out or become loose, causing coolant to leak out. The water pump is responsible for pumping coolant throughout the engine; if it is damaged or worn, it can leak coolant. (Learn How To Clean A Car Battery Terminal)
Knocking or Ticking Sounds:
If a car makes knocking or ticking sounds during the combustion process, it could indicate a problem with the engine. This can be a sign of low oil levels or an oil leak, which can cause the engine to overheat. In extreme cases, it could be a leaky cylinder head gasket in the car’s engine causing the issue.
Low Oil Levels or Oil Leak:
Low engine oil- levels or an oil leak can cause the engine to overheat. The oil in the engine lubricates the moving parts, reducing friction and heat.
Engine Gets Hot On Short Trips:
If the engine gets extremely hot even after short trips, it could be a sign of a problem with the cooling system. The coolant may not be coolant temperature or circulating correctly, or the radiator may be clogged with debris.
Automotive engineers and mechanics have one tip. You can stop the vehicle from overheating by turning on the air conditioner too high. This passes lower-temperature air over the engine heater core, and thermal transfer occurs as this air warms from the engine and continues to warm the vehicle cockpit.
Doing this stops the engine from getting too hot and causing a costly replacement.
Rising Engine Temperature Gauge
A rising temperature gauge reading or dashboard warning lights indicate the engine is overheating. The temperature gauge measures the front engine compartment’s temperature, and if it rises quickly or above the normal range, there is an issue with the cooling system.
Damaged Pistons:
Damaged pistons can cause the engine to overheat. Pistons are responsible for compressing the air and fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders, and if they are damaged, the engine may not run efficiently, causing it to overheat.
Cracked Engine Block:
A cracked engine block can cause the engine to overheat. The engine block contains the cylinders; if it is cracked, coolant may leak out, causing the cylinder head and engine to overheat. (Learn How Long Can A Car Sit)
Strange Engine Odor:
A strange odor coming from the engine can be a sign of an overheating engine. The odor can be caused by burning oil or leaking coolant, which can be caused by low oil levels (oil leaks), a coolant leak, or a damaged engine.
Worsening Engine Performance:
If the engine’s performance is getting worse, it could be a sign of an overheating engine. An overheated engine can cause the engine to lose power or stall, making it difficult to operate the vehicle.
What Happens When a Car Overheats?
If your cars getting hot, it can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s engine. Understanding the warning signs and what to do if your car overheats are essential.
Here are some common symptoms of an overheating car engine:
1. Loss of Power
If your cars engine compartment gets too hot, you may notice a loss of power. This is because the engine is working harder than it should be, and the excess heat can cause damage to the engine’s components. If your engine overheating light and you notice a loss of power, it is essential to pull over safely and turn off the engine to prevent further damage.
2. Smoke from the Engine
If your car engine overheats, you may see smoke coming from the engine. This can indicate that your engine is overheating and may be damaged. Turning off the engine and letting it cool down before attempting to drive again is essential.
3. Instrument Cluster Warning
If your car motor overheats, you may see warning lights on your dashboard. These warning lights can indicate a problem inside the engine compartment and cooling system, and it is essential to address it immediately. Pull over safely and turn off the engine if you see warning lights.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Turn off the air conditioning to reduce the engine’s workload.
- Turn on the heater to help dissipate heat from the engine.
- Place a warning triangle behind your car to alert other drivers.
- Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on addressing an overheating engine.
- Call a tow truck if your car overheats and shuts off.
Ignoring an overheating engine can result in further damage to your vehicle and can be a costly repair.
What to Do When Your Car Overheats and Shuts Off
1. Pull Over Safely
Pull over to a safe location on the side of the road immediately if your automobile overheats and shuts off. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle behind your car to let other drivers know that your vehicle is not operational.
2. Turn Off the Engine
After pulling over, turn off the engine to prevent damage to your car. If you continue to drive with an overheated engine, it can lead to costly repairs or engine replacement.
3. Let the Engine Cool Down
Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15 minutes before attempting to open the car hood. This will give it enough time to lower the temperature and avoid any potential burns from excess heat.
4. Check the Coolant Level and Radiator
Once the engine has cooled down, open the hood, and check the coolant system and radiator. If the coolant system is low on coolant, add more to the coolant reservoir tank. Be sure to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for the correct coolant type. (Read Car Shakes At Idle)
5. Restart the Engine and Drive Carefully
After checking the coolant system, and the coolant temperature gauge is back to normal, start the engine and move to a secure location. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge to ensure that the engine is not overheating again.
If the temperature gauge goes back to the normal range, you can continue driving, but make sure to drive carefully and avoid sudden acceleration or breaking. Remember, if your car overheats and shuts off, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage to your engine.
If you’re not sure what to do, it’s best to call a certified mechanic or a tow truck to avoid any further damage to your car.
