Why Is My Car Overheating?

Why is my car overheating? What causes a car to overheat? From a leak in the cooling system to an issue with the radiator, there are several different reasons a car would overheat. Wondering what to do when a car overheats? If you notice the temperature gauge is reading far higher than normal, do not drive the car. Driving an overheating car can put you in danger, and can lead to serious and costly issues down the road. Learn all about the reasons a car would overheat and find out what to do when a car overheats in this guide from the experts in the service center at BMW of Warwick. 

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

If your car is overheating on the roads in and around East Greenwich, you need to have the issue addressed as soon as possible. What does it mean when your car overheats? What causes a car to overheat? Take a look at the following causes for a car to overheat:

• There’s a leak in the cooling system – A leak in the cooling system is one of the most common reasons a car would overheat. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing can all be susceptible to leaks.
• There’s a problem with your coolant – The wrong coolant or an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is recommended), your engine may overheat. 
• There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – Dirt and debris can get in your cooling system on Providence roads, which can cause blockages in the coolant hose. 
• There’s an issue with the radiator – A blockage, a leak, or a malfunctioning radiator fan all could cause a car to overheat.
• Your car’s water pump is broken – A leak, a shifted pump shaft, or a broken belt will cause your water pump to fail, resulting in overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Most often you won’t notice that your car is overheating until you’re already driving. If the temperature gauge is above normal and you’re running the air conditioning, turn the A/C off and run your heater at full blast. This will help pull heat off your engine. When you’re able to pull over safely, you should not attempt to pop the hood or access the radiator for at least 30 minutes. The engine will be very hot and the pressure in your radiator will be at a very unsafe level. It is best to call a towing service to pick your car up and bring it to the nearest repair shop.

You Can Count on the BMW of Warwick Service Department!

Knowing what to do when a car overheats can keep you safe and help you avoid a hefty repair bill. If your car is overheating, you can trust the certified technicians at the BMW of Warwick to take care of the problem and get you safely back on the Cranston-area roads in no time. Keeping up to date with your BMW maintenance schedule will allow our team to catch an issue that could cause overheating and act preemptively. Schedule your next service with us, and make sure to explore our current service specials and coupons to take advantage of some of the best deals in the Warwick area. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our service team.