Why Is My Car Overheating?

An overheating car can be caused by a number of factors. These range from radiator issues to problems with the cooling system or water pump. Your Honda has a normal temperature range, usually 195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (although you should consult your owner’s manual for specifics). If you start up your car and see a temperature reading of higher than normal, stop the car immediately and do not drive it under any circumstances. Not only can driving an overheated car put you in immediate danger, it can cause expensive problems with your vehicle down the line. 

We’ve got all the details on what causes an overheated car – as well as what to do when this happens – in our guide below. So, if you’re wondering what to do when a car overheats, have no fear – the service center at Honda of Danbury has got all the answers.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

If you find that your car is overheating, it’s a sign that there’s a problem. There are a few common causes that lead a car to overheat. Here is how you can tell if your car is overheating:

• A leak in the cooling system – This tends to be the most common cause of an overheated car. The cooling system is made up of hoses, head gasket, thermostat housing, radiator, and water pump – any of them can be susceptible to leaks, causing your car to overheat. 
• A problem with your coolant – Your engine could overheat if the wrong coolant was put into the car or if there’s an improper balance between coolant and water (50/50 is proper).
• A blockage in the coolant hose – Overheating can also happen at the coolant hose, if there are blockages due to dirt and debris.
• An issue with the radiator – A blockage, leak, or problem with your radiator fan can all cause your car to overheat. This is another one of the most common causes of overheating.
• A broken water pump – Your car’s water pump sends coolant through the cooling system, so any kind of leak or problem with it can cause the vehicle to overheat.

Sometimes, you might find your car overheating when it idles as well. 

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Although it’s ideal to discover that your car is overheating right when you start it up, sometimes you might not find out until you’ve hit the Bethel streets. If that happens, turn off your air conditioning and run the heat at its highest setting (this might be uncomfortable, but it’s essential to pull heat away from the engine). Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and wait 30 minutes before trying to pop the hood by hand. Call a towing service and have them bring your car to a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem right away.

You Can Count on the Honda of Danbury Service Center!

If you find that your car is overheating, then our expert technicians at the Honda of Danbury service center will have it fixed up and back on the New Fairfield streets in no time. Keeping your car routinely serviced is essential to catching any problems that could lead to overheating, and you can schedule service appointments right from our website! As always, if you have any questions or want more information on our dealership, you can contact our office anytime.