| A vehicle's engine can overheat due to a problem | | | | mechanism called a fan clutch, which is designed |
| or combination of problems which inhibit or impair | | | | to make the fan spin fast enough to cool the |
| its ability to maintain an appropriate operating | | | | engine as needed and decrease at times when |
| temperature. Continuing to drive a vehicle that is | | | | the fan is not needed. The fan's clutch fluid helps |
| overheating will cause serious damage to the | | | | regulate this process, and its leakage or |
| engine and can cause chain reaction damage to | | | | deterioration is a common cause of overheating. |
| other components that are vital to engine | | | | A fan should be checked and possibly replaced if |
| function. If your temperature warning light comes | | | | it wobbles or spins easily when pushed or if there |
| on or the temperature gauge begins rising toward | | | | are signs of a fluid leak around it. |
| "hot," it is important to pull over immediately and | | | | â-ªDamaged Belts and Hoses: The |
| turn off the engine. Never attempt to open or | | | | condition of belts and hoses should be periodically |
| touch a radiator immediately after an engine has | | | | checked for quality and secure connections. Belt |
| overheated to prevent burns and injuries to you. | | | | slippage may prevent proper water pump |
| While some engine damage has likely been done | | | | operation or interfere with fan performance, |
| at this point, turning off the engine right away can | | | | leading to overheating. |
| prevent further harm. Some potential causes for | | | | â-ªRadiator Clogs: After engine coolant |
| engine overheating are addressed below. | | | | or antifreeze (mixed with water) absorbs the |
| â-ªCoolant Loss: Engine coolant, a broad | | | | heat that has been created by the engine, the |
| term commonly used interchangeably with the | | | | radiator cools it before returning it to the engine. |
| more specific term anti-freeze, helps regulate a | | | | Radiator clogs, which can be caused by intake of |
| vehicle's engine temperature, serving purposes | | | | debris, bugs and dirt, may block airflow and |
| such as preventing overheating, preventing | | | | reduce the radiator's ability to disperse heat as it |
| freezing and hindering corrosion. A coolant leak is | | | | should, impairing its cooling ability. A clogged |
| a very common cause of engine overheating, and | | | | radiator can possibly be removed and cleaned but |
| can happen in a number of areas. Hoses, water | | | | may need an overall replacement. |
| pumps, the radiator, head gaskets and cylinder | | | | If your vehicle has overheated, the thermometer |
| heads are just a few of the areas that should be | | | | likely incurred damage in the process and should |
| considered when checking for coolant leaks. | | | | be tested for proper functioning and potentially |
| â-ªFan Issues: The fan situated | | | | replaced after other repairs are complete. Periodic |
| between the radiator and the engine is an | | | | evaluation of a vehicle's cooling system for undue |
| important component to a vehicle's cooling | | | | wear, fluid leaks, belt and hose condition and clogs |
| system, pulling outside air in to regulate | | | | can help identify issues before the true problem |
| temperature. Mechanical fans incorporate a | | | | of overheating occurs. |