Why is My Car Overheating?

One of the most common questions our service team hears is, “Why is my car overheating?”. What causes a car to overheat can range from cooling system issues to radiator malfunctions. So if you notice that the temperature of your car registers higher than normal on the Caledon roads, it’s time to schedule an appointment and take a deeper dive into the potential culprits. Find out what causes a car to overheat and what to do when a car overheats with help from Mercedes-Benz Brampton, and consider our same day service for your emergency automotive needs.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

So, just what does it mean when your car overheats in Orangeville? Your car will normally run between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. When you notice your car is above that temperature range, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Here are some of the reasons a car would overheat:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – A cooling system leak is one of the most common reasons a car would overheat. This could be an issue within any part of the cooling system: the radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing.

• There’s a problem with your coolant – Your coolant helps regulate the engine temperature, so using the wrong coolant or an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper) can cause major issues.

• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – If dirt or debris make their way into your coolant hose, this can cause a blockage that prevents coolant from flowing.

• There’s an issue with the radiator – Another common cause of overheating, your radiator could be malfunctioning. This could mean a blockage, a leak, or any other host of problems.

• Your car’s water pump is broken – The water pump is necessary to move coolant throughout the cooling system, and it may have a leak or malfunction as well.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Now that you know the reasons a car would overheat, it’s time to talk about what to do when a car overheats. If you are still at home in Georgetown, we recommend scheduling your service appointment immediately. Because there’s no way to know what causes your car to overheat in that moment, it’s important to not drive your vehicle until it is seen by a professional. If you find yourself on the road when your car is overheating, take the following steps:

• Turn off the air conditioning.
• Turn on the heat at full blast to pull heat off the engine.
• Pull over when you can safely do so.
• Do not pop the hood for at least 30 minutes to avoid burns.
• Call a towing service to bring your car to a certified service center immediately.

Get Expert Car Care with Mercedes-Benz Brampton

Do you need help figuring out why is my car overheating? We’ve run through the basics of what does it mean when your car overheats, but our technicians can provide more in-depth diagnostic testing and solutions to your problem – as well as preventative maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. Contact us today to find out more about our services.