Why Is My Car Overheating?

 
There are a few reasons a car would overheat, from an issue with the radiator to a leak in the cooling system. Every vehicle has a regular degree for its temperature gauge to sit, but since most cars tend to operate between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you start your car and see that the gauge is reading higher than normal, do not drive it. Driving a vehicle that's overheated can put you in danger and will only cause more significant and expensive issues.

What causes a car to overheat? Wondering what to do when a car overheats? Get the answers from the team at Toyota of North Miami near Sunny Isles Beach. Feel free to reach out to the service department if you have any questions.

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

When a Toyota vehicle gets overheated, it's a sign there's an issue that needs to be taken care of at the Toyota of North Miami service center. What causes a car to overheat? Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • 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 are all components of the cooling system, which means they can all be susceptible to leaks.
  • There's a problem with your coolant - Add the wrong coolant, or the improper coolant-to-water ratio - should be 50/50 - and the engine can overheat. 
  • There's a blockage in the coolant hose - The coolant hose is the next possible cause due to lots of opportunities for dirt and debris getting in your cooling system while on the North Miami Beach roads. This can cause blockages in the coolant hose. 
  • There's an issue with the radiator - There could be a blockage, a leak, or something wrong with the radiator fan, all of which are reasons a car would overheat.
  • Your car's water pump is broken - The water pump sends engine coolant throughout the cooling system. There's a chance that yours may be suffering from a leak or a shifted pump shaft.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Now that you know what does it mean when your car overheats, you may be wondering what do when a car overheats. Unfortunately, the car won't overheat until after you have hit the Homestead roads. If the air conditioning is running, turn it off and run your heat at full blast. Yes, this may be a little uncomfortable, but it's going to help pull heat off of your engine. When you can safely pull over, wait about 30 minutes before trying to pop the hood. It's best to call a towing service to pick up your car and bring it to the factory-trained and certified technicians at Toyota of North Miami.

Trust the Toyota of North Miami Service Center!

Are you wondering, "Why is my car overheating?" Our team can help at Toyota of North Miami. Our team will get you back on the Miami Gardens roads in no time. It's essential to keep up with routine maintenance to prevent issues like an overheating vehicle. Schedule a service appointment to make sure your vehicle is running safely. Peruse our service specials for additional savings.