Why Is My Engine Overheating? Causes and Fixes for Redding Drivers
Stop Overheating Before It Damages Your Engine
An overheating engine can warp a cylinder head in minutes. We find out why it's running hot, from a coolant leak to a failed water pump, and fix it right.
Gauge in the red or steam from the hood: pull over, turn the engine off, and call us. Don't keep driving on it.
Why is my engine overheating? The most common cause is low coolant from a leak. A failing water pump, a stuck thermostat, a clogged radiator, a broken cooling fan, or a burst hose can also stop the engine from shedding heat. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as the gauge hits red.
If your temperature gauge climbs into the red, a warning light comes on, or you see steam from under the hood, your engine is overheating. Redding summers push cooling systems hard, and a small leak or weak part often shows up for the first time on a 100-degree day.
Common causes of an overheating engine
- Low coolant from a leak. Hoses, the radiator, and the water pump are the usual sources. See fluid leaking under the car.
- A failing water pump. It stops circulating coolant, often with a leak or noise first. Water pump replacement
- A stuck thermostat. It blocks coolant from reaching the radiator.
- A clogged radiator or failed cooling fan. Common when the car overheats in traffic but is fine on the highway. Cooling system repair
- A broken belt or burst hose. Usually sudden. Belt and hose replacement
- Old coolant. It loses its ability to protect against heat and corrosion. Coolant flush
Gauge running hot?
Stop driving and call us, or book a cooling system check before the next heat wave.
How we find the cause and fix it
- We pressure test the cooling system to find leaks, including small ones you can't see.
- We check the thermostat, water pump, radiator, fans, and hoses.
- We check for signs of engine damage, like a head gasket leak, so there are no surprises.
- You get an estimate before we start, and the repair is covered by our 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty.
Protect your engine.
Book a cooling system diagnosis and we'll find the leak or failed part before it costs you an engine.
Is it safe to keep driving?
No. Pull over somewhere safe and turn the engine off as soon as the gauge goes into the red. Don't open the radiator cap on a hot engine: the coolant is under pressure and can burn you. Call us and we'll help you decide whether to tow it in.
Services we offer that could fix your problem
We confirm the cause first, then recommend only the repair you need.
- Cooling SystemStop Overheating Before It Damages Your EngineLearn more
- Water Pump ReplacementStop Coolant Leaks and Overheating From a Failing Water PumpLearn more
- Coolant FlushKeep Your Engine From Overheating and Wearing Out EarlyLearn more
- Belts And HosesPrevent Overheating and Breakdowns From Cracked Belts and HosesLearn more
Common questions
Why Is My Engine Overheating?
The most common cause is low coolant from a leak. A failing water pump, a stuck thermostat, a clogged radiator, a broken cooling fan, or a burst hose can also stop the engine from shedding heat. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as the gauge hits red.
Can I drive my car if it's overheating?
No. Driving an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head or blow the head gasket in minutes. Pull over, shut it off, and call us.
Why does my car overheat in traffic but not on the highway?
At low speed the radiator depends on the cooling fan. A failed fan, fan relay, or clogged radiator often shows up first in traffic.
Can I just add water?
In an emergency, water will get you a short distance. But it doesn't protect against boiling or corrosion, so the system should be refilled with the right coolant and checked for leaks.