CAUSES OF OVERHEATING

Overheating is common phenomenon to vehicle users, most especially to commuter motorists. Overheating is an elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation

When overheating occurs the vehicle cannot go any longer, delaying to arrive in the destination, more infuriating is leaving the passengers stranded at the side of the road. When this occurs, calm down and inspect if really the cause of the vehicle breakdown/problem is overheating.

 The following are some established causes of engine overheating.

   1.      The radiator may be leaking:

The radiator is the component which holds the cooling fluid (water) required to cool the car’s engine as it circulates through the engine (water galleries or jacket). Hence when the radiator leaks it must be repaired. Though stopping the leak may help, it will fall short overtime.

   2.       Water Leaks

Engine overheating may be as a result of water leaks in the engine compartment. Several factors can cause this problem like loose fitting radiator petcock, cheap or faulty hoses, bad water pump and as mentioned in (1) above leaky radiator.

   3.      Radiator Cap

After a while, a radiator cap will not work as well as the gasket. The part may be cracked and therefore requires replacement.

   4.      The radiator hoses with coiled wire inside may collapse when the components are old.

5.      Though the coolant seems to work properly, there could be a problem with its operation especially when it circulates through the car engine. When this happens, you must fill the vehicle radiator while the engine is running. WARNING do this only before the engine reaches to a very hot temperature.

NOTE: engine overheating is generally caused the engine cooling systems related malfunctions such as;

·         The fan

·         The radiator

·         Water pump

·         Coolant etc.