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Vehicles overheat for a number of reasons. It could be that they’ve been sitting out in the sun for too long or that one of the car parts is beginning to fail and requires immediate replacement. Whatever the case, you can prevent further damage by learning to recognize the top causes of overheating and securing the necessary repairs.

5 Likely Reasons Your Car Is Overheating

1. Coolant Leak

Coolant keeps the engine from getting above a certain temperature. It circulates through a series of tubing and draws out any excess heat. A leak could reduce the amount of coolant that flows through the engine and will increase the potential for overheating. The clearest sign of a leak is visible coolant puddling under your car.

2. Pump Malfunction

car partsThe water pump helps to regulate the amount of coolant that flows through the engine. If it’s not functioning properly, there’s a chance that the coolant won’t get to where it needs to go. In addition to your car overheating, you may notice steam from under the hood and a whining noise when you accelerate. Securing a replacement car part is the only way to fix this issue.

3. Faulty Thermostat

This is the part of the cooling system that determines when the engine needs to cool down. The moment it registers as getting a little too hot, it opens a valve and releases the coolant. Thermostats that aren’t reading correctly could cause a delay that will increase the risk of overheating. For a quick check, watch the temperature gauge on the dashboard after starting the car. If your car’s overheating after 15 minutes of driving, the thermostat is likely to blame.

4. Failing Radiator

The radiator cools down the coolant as it passes through the system. If there’s a leak or a blockage somewhere preventing the fan from moving, then it won’t be able to release the heat. This will cause the temperature to continue to rise unless you can find a new replacement car part.

5. Broken Belt

Belts are vital components that keep the engine running smooth. They turn the water pump so it can release the coolant and maintain a comfortable temperature. Those that crack or break will prevent the cooling system from functioning as it should and could cause the vehicle to overheat. Other signs of faulty belts include squealing noises and faulty power steering and air conditioning.

 

If you’re in the market for quality car parts, reach out to the professionals at AAW Auto Parts. This family-owned and -operated company stocks over 555,000 aftermarket auto parts and is recognized throughout Pasco, WA, for their competitive pricing. They source many of their products from top manufacturers and offer customer service that’s second to none. Call (509) 547-6000 to set up an appointment with one of their knowledgeable experts. Visit their website for additional information on their services.

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