During the summer, your car is more prone to overheating due to the hot weather. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your engine’s temperature in check. Watch out for the following causes of overheating so that you can bring your car to an auto shop before a serious problem arises.

Why Do Cars Overheat?

1. Engine Oil Issues

Engine oil lubricates the different parts of your car’s engine. When the oil collects too much dirt, or the level is low, the components will directly grind against each other. Excessive friction will cause the engine to overheat and malfunction. To avoid this problem, bring your car to the auto shop for regular oil changes and leak checks. 

2. Thermostat Problems

Car coolant is a liquid that flows through the engine to help cool it down. A thermostat controls the amount of coolant flowing at a given time. If your car has finished warming up but is still getting hotter, the thermostat valve might be stuck closed. This problem blocks the coolant from getting to the car engine and doing its job. 

3. Radiator Leaks

Coolant is responsible for cooling your engine, but it also needs to pass through the radiator. Your car may be overheating because there’s not enough coolant, which often happens when the radiator is leaking. When the car’s coolant level indicator lights up on the dashboard, bring the vehicle to the auto shop as soon as possible to fix the problem before it leads to engine failure.

If you have a radiator that needs fixing, bring your car to Branford Radiator Repair Service. For more than 30 years, they’ve provided the folks of Branford, CT, with automotive services like oil changes and radiator and brake repairs. To learn more about the auto shop, visit them online or call (203) 488-7346 to schedule an appointment.