Problems That Cause a Car Engine to Run Hot

If your car engine is running hot there are several reasons why this may be happening. Car motors get hot by design, but over heating is another problem all together. Most drivers pay attention to the gages which tell them if any problem is occuring. When your temperature gage gets too high you need to turn off the car immediately to avoid bigger issues.

Coolant

Your vehicle needs a variety of fluids to keep it running efficiently. The radiator disperses water and coolant to parts of the engine to keep it from overheating. This engine coolant travels through hoses and the hoses are attached by clamps. Check that all of the clamps are tight after the car has cooled down. Run your hand across the hose and underneath checking for potential leaks. If the hose is wet it will most likely need to be replaced. Also check for leaks in the radiator. Radiator leaks can sometimes be fixed with a stop leak product.

Thermostat

A bad thermostat can be a source of your car running hot. Sometimes they get stuck and other times just stop working completely. It is possible to test the thermostat by removing it and then dipping it in some very hot to boiling water. The thermostat should open, and if it doesn't it will need to be replaced.

Water Pump

You can tell if your water pump has gone bad by checking that it is stable. If the water pump moves and wobbles it will most likely need replacing. You can also check the water pump pulley to ensure that it is moving properly. If you choose to replace the pump, make sure to get the right model as some vehicles require special water pumps to work correctly.