Why Is My Car Overheating?

A breakdown from overheating is one of the scarier experiences when it comes to car trouble. Steam billows from underneath the hood while warning lights blink on your dashboard. The engine is too hot and you need to pull over to the side of the road. Since overheating can cause substantial damage to a vehicle, you will definitely need Melbourne Towing Guys to bring it to the mechanic. Since the cost of repairs is often high, you need to do everything you can to avoid this situation. So why exactly do vehicles overheat and how can you prevent it?

What Is Overheating?

The mechanisms in a motor vehicle produce large amounts of friction and heat. While the engine can operate at high temperatures, at a certain point there is too much heat to sustain. Overheating occurs when the engine’s temperature exceeds around 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This is when mechanical damage begins to occur. Steam will emit from the engine, the temperature gauge will enter the red zone and warning lights will appear on your dashboard. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, call Melbourne Towing Guys immediately.

Cooling Systems

In order to control the engine’s heat, vehicles have cooling systems. Cooling systems used to be air-cooled, but advances in technology have led to liquid-based systems that are much more efficient. The system circulates coolant through the engine and radiator in order to minimize the heat generated.

Causes

There are several causes of overheating, one of which is a leak in the cooling system. Coolant will leak from the system and air will be pulled in and circulated within it. Once air enters, it will rise to the top, creating an air bubble that cannot push through the cooling system. The remaining coolant stops circulating and becomes extremely hot within the engine. Another potential cause is a blockage in the cooling system. A blocked system cannot circulate air and disperse heat. Blockages can be caused by mineral deposits or foreign objects in the cooling system. 

There is a water pump that keeps coolant circulating throughout the cooling system. The bearing and impeller within the water pump can degrade over time and eventually break. The vehicle will likely overheat soon after. You could potentially have an issue with the coolant itself. In freezing temperatures, coolant can congeal inside the engine and radiator, creating a blockage. The congealed coolant will not circulate and the engine will overheat.

Engine oil also helps cool the engine by lubricating internal components and reducing friction. There are engine oil coolers that circulate hot oil through and return it to the engine at a lower temperature. An engine oil leak can greatly contribute to overheating. No matter the cause, you should have the phone number of trusted Melbourne Towing Guys in the event of a breakdown.

Prevention

There are a few precautions you can take to reduce the chance of your vehicle overheating. One option is having your cooling system flushed. The manufacturer of your engine will have a recommended interval of time that this should be carried out. You can also have a mechanic repair coolant leaks as soon as possible by getting your engine checked regularly. Keep an eye out for the temperature gauge on your dashboard. If the levels get too high, immediately pull over and call a towing service to prevent excess damage.

A Full-Service Towing Melbourne Company in Melbourne Northern Suburbs.

• Boat Towing
• Bus Towing
• Clearway Towing
• Accident Towing
• Caravan Towing
• Trailers Towing
•  Parking Towing
• 4WD Towing
• Limousine Towing

Need to tow your vehicle immediately?

Melbourne Towing Guys located near the Scoresby Road. Please check below map. 

Melbourne Towing Guys

12 Esperance Rd

Mount Waverley VIC 3149

(03) 7037 7636

[email protected]