A specific temperature range is must for efficient working of vehicle engines. Too hot or too cold engine temperatures mistreat the overall performance. All the engine overheating causes are preventable.

Experts acknowledge the desirable engine temperature range is 190 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit (roughly 90 to 110 degrees Celcius). You must keep an eye on the heat gauge and notice overall performance while driving.

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An overheated engine not only damages itself, also deform and crack other major parts of your car. We are going to investigate vital causes and their remedial measures.

Engine Overheating Causes

Various parts of your vehicle run together while driving. Engine overheating causes involve numerous factors. We shall discuss here one by one.

1. Cooling System Leaks

Vehicle cooling system involve numerous components such as hoses, radiator, and water pump. These components can develop leaks due to wear and tear over the time. In result, coolant leaks and drop its normal level. Ultimately engine overheats due to improper circulation of coolant.

Safety Measures

Inspect frequently your vehicle’s cooling system for any kind of leaks.
If you found leaks or low level of coolant, go for instant repair.

2. Faulty Water Pump

It circulates water and coolant throughout the engine. Faulty or broken water pump is unable to circulate the coolant. It leads to engine overheating as heat is not disposed off.

Diagnosis

Vital signs of faulty or failed water pump are:

Steam emerges under your car’s hood.
High frequency, grumbling noises.
Corrosive / Rusty water pump.
Leakage on dry side of water pump.
Gaskets / seals of water pump may be worn over time.

3. Defective Thermostat

It ensures the circulation of coolant in cooling system. When engine temperature reaches a specific point, thermostat starts circulation of coolant. It is responsible for maintaining optimal temperature of engine.

How to Know

Your vehicle’s temperature gauge may show erratic behaviour.
It can go suddenly hot to cold or cold to hot.
Keep an eye on the fuel gauge. As temperature mainenance is stopped. It may fool your vehicle’s engine and impacts fuel efficeincy badly.

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4. Low Coolant Level

Coolant can evaporate with passage of time. Its evaporation process is relatively very slow as it circulates in a closed cooling system. It depends upon high temperatures and extended use. When coolant level is down and you don’t top up, engine overheats. It is due to improper heat release.

Preventions

Always check coolant levels before leaving for long drive specially.
Use manufacturer’s recommended coolant type.
Follow a regualr time interval for changing coolant.
If you are on the way and have no access to coolant, top up radiator and reservoir bottle with water.

5. Defective Radiator

A choked radiator don’t allow coolant to circulate properly. Engine gets overheat. Its a potential damage to vehicle engine and other components.

Remedial Measures

Regular maintenance is must. You may visit workshop for periodical radiator service.
You can do it yourself (DIY) by radiator flush bottle with a minmal cost.

Must Read: Radiator Flush Cost: What You Need to Know

6. Bad Radiator Fan

Coolant absorbs heat of the engine and passes through radiator. Here radiator fan plays a crucial role, it pulls hot air from radiator. In result, coolant temperature reduced and it again takes heat of the engine. If radiator fan is not working, it overheats the engine.

Keep an Eye

Check fuse, if found defective replace it.
There may be a problem in thermostat valve, which is not giving signals to radiator fan.
Defective wiring can stop radiator fan.
Fan motor may burn.

7. Low Engine Oil Level

Engine oil lubricates the components. If it has low levels, friction increases and excess heat produced. There is now way to release this heat. In result, it overheats the engine and leads to destruction.

Frequently check engine oil levels to prevent from overheating. Moreover, it increases lifespan of the engine.

Must Read: How to Choose the Right Engine Oil for Your Vehicle

8. Defective Radiator Cap

Radiator cap maintains the ideal coolant pressure in the in the cooling system. It has inside seals, which become loose overtime. It must be diagnosed regularly to achieve desired pressure.

9. Broken Hose: Engine Overheating Causes

Radiator circulates water through lower and upper hoses. Overtime these worn out or their clamps may loose due to high temperature coolant. It creates leakage in the cooling system. Required pressure can’t be maintained which results in engine overheating.