5 Causes of Overheating Engine
The engine is the main component of a car. If the engine suffers a fatal failure, then all other mechanical components will be incapacitated. Sometimes, when forced to work at maximum capacity without proper maintenance beforehand, the temperature of an aging car engine can become prone to overheating and exceed limits before eventually malfunctioning.
For those of you who have ever driven a car with an overheating engine, you should be stressed. In such conditions, anyone hopes the car does not break down and the temperature around the engine can decrease when stopping at a red light intersection. However, you don't need to worry if that hasn't happened yet because you can address it early.
At least, there are five causes that make the engine prone to overheating. Here are the explanations:
- Low Coolant Fluid You should regularly check your car's coolant fluid as much as possible. Some car manufacturers have indeed installed an automatic cooling system in the engine. However, that cooling system will not work effectively and quickly in lowering the temperature if it is not supported by coolant fluid at an ideal level.
- Electric Cooling Fan Not Functioning The electric cooling fan normally helps circulate air around the engine in and out of the car hood. So, you should also carefully check the electric cooling fan. If the electric cooling fan is not functioning, there are generally two common causes:
- Fan Malfunction: Sometimes, the fan's operation is disrupted and does not work properly. To check it, remove the safety wire inside the radiator fan switch, then connect a jumper wire to both contacts. Normally, the fan will spin, or you can also check it by simply turning on the air conditioning (AC).
- Radiator Fan Switch Malfunction: The easiest way to check it is by removing the safety wire and connecting the safety wire contacts with a jumper wire. If the fan spins, it means the radiator fan switch is faulty.
- Thermostat Closing The most common cause of thermostat failure is overheating when the car is driving very fast, such as on a highway. The thermostat that should be open becomes closed. This means that the airflow from outside to the radiator channel becomes limited.
- Fan Belt Malfunction Some car manufacturers still install fan belts in their car production to help run the engine cooling fan. Even if it is damaged, the cost of repairing the fan belt is usually cheaper than other electrical components. You can also replace it if it is indeed severely damaged.
- Clogged Radiator If your car is used for more than 80,000 kilometers a year, then your car's radiator will start to get dirty. You can prevent this by regularly washing the radiator. Additionally, don't forget to check the availability of lubricants, such as oil.
