A car engine can overheat during any weather or temperature.  Chemical energy in the fuel becomes converted into thermal energy when fuel burns, making the car run.  If this process is not watched and controlled, then overheating can occur.

High temperatures can damage and burn holes in the parts, ruin the rings, pistons or rod bearings or blow a head gasket.  Unfortunately, some engines can be made with aluminum heads or other parts that may be sensitive to higher than normal temperatures.  Contrary to popular belief, coolant doesn’t always save your engine when overheating happens.  If the coolant in your car begins to boil, old hoses or a radiator may burst, pistons may swell up and seize in their bores or your exhaust valve stems could stick or scuff in their guides.

Some of the main causes of overheating are:

• A low coolant level or coolant leak
• Poor heat conductivity inside the engine caused by deposits in the waterjackets
• Bad airflow through the radiator
• A slipping fan clutch
• A failure in the work of the electric cooling fan
• A broken radiator hose
• A loose or eroded water pump impeller
• Dragging brakes

It’s important to immediately turn your car off and let it cool down once you see the temperature gauge or warning light indicate that your vehicle is hot.  If you don’t, you run the risk of blowing up your motor.  It may be more time consuming to sit and wait fot it to cool down, however it will more than likely reduce your cost of repair significantly.

It’s also a wise idea to turn the heater on full blast because it typically draws the heat off the engine.  Additionally, you can attempt putting the car in neutral and revving the engine at a fast idle speed.  If neither of these actions helps your engine cool down, then there is most likely a larger problem than simple overworking and you should contact a professional.

Tags: Advice, Maintenance and Repair // Add Comment »