Why is My Car Overheating?

It's important for your car's engine to stay within a proper temperature range. When it doesn't, overheating can occur. Your temperature gauge or a dashboard warning light will indicate when something is wrong with the cooling system. When you see these warnings, it's important to safely pull your vehicle over as soon as you can. Ignoring an overheating issue can lead to much larger and more expensive repairs later, so it's recommended to get a diagnosis quickly. Below are some of the most common causes of an overheating car.

Leaks

Belts and hoses connect all of the primary parts in your Volkswagen's cooling system. They help ensure that coolant can reach the engine and all the other places it needs to go. Sometimes hoses in the cooling system may become detached, disconnected or develop holes, leading to coolant leaking out of the car rather than reaching the engine. This can sometimes be detected by watching for bright liquid coming from beneath your vehicle, which is typically green or orange in color. You may also notice a sweet smell.

Contaminated Coolant

Like all fluids, coolant should be changed regularly based on your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. If the coolant isn't flushed, then things like dirt and other particles can thicken it over time, making it more likely to cause clogs. When a portion of your cooling system is clogged then the engine may begin to overheat.

Worn Out Parts

Over time, other parts of the cooling system may wear down causing overheating issues. The most common parts that contribute to overheating are the radiator, water pump and belt. The water pump and belt need to function properly to push coolant throughout the engine, whereas the radiator works with fans to keep the coolant at a proper temperature.

If you need help fixing an overheating engine, contact our service center in Phoenix, AZ to book an appointment. We'll be happy to diagnose the source of the problem and help get your vehicle back on the road.