Engine Overheating: How to react and what are the consequences?

You may have experienced this phenomenon in your car. Engine overheating is a phenomenon motorists fear. In fact, an overheated engine can cause it to shut down and illuminate the red warning light on the dashboard. However, there are solutions to manage this car malfunction.

What is overheating ?

During operation, the heat engine heats up due to combustion in the cylinders and due to friction. This heat must be dissipated by the engine's cooling system. If there is a cooling system failure or a combustion problem, heat builds up in the engine. This phenomenon is called engine overheating and can lead to engine failure.

Signs of engine overheating

If the engine overheats, you will first see an increase in needle temperature. The best temperature for the engine is about 90 C. For optimal operation, the needle must remain within the range of plus or minus 10 C. In the event of overheating (120 C), the red indicator light of the coolant lights up. You must stop or the engine will lose power and break.

What to do if the engine overheats ?

Find the escape The number one cause of engine overheating is usually a coolant problem. The job of the coolant is to transfer heat from the engine to the radiator and dissipate it. First check the coolant level, a too low level may be caused by a leak in one of the engine hoses. Check the engine for moisture or drips that fall under your car to determine the source of the leak.

The hoses are rubber "pipes" which with age can crack or split. If no leaks are present, top up the coolant level. Warning, it is advisable to carry out this operation with the engine cold. The cooling circuit is pressurized when the engine is hot.

Check your radiator
The coolant carries the heat to the radiator, which is there to dissipate it. For the radiator to work properly, it must not block, which will prevent the air from crossing it, and cooling the liquid. To overcome this difficulty, you can clean it using a powerful jet of water, and thus remove the residue and dead leaves that would be stuck inside the radiator. Another method is also possible. You can indeed use a nylon brush to start cleaning the radiator, and then use compressed air. To carry out the manipulation, direct the compressed air at the back of the radiator, from the back to the front.

Check fan
The function of the fan is to help cool the radiator when it gets too hot, which usually happens during urban journeys where the air does not circulate enough in the engine. That is why it is important to know whether it is down or not. Visually check that the fan blades are in good condition and that the electrical connections are not damaged. When overheating, the fan should turn on . If the fan is off, the fault is in its control system, so check your thermal switch.

Check the thermal switchv
The purpose of the thermal switch is to control the starting of the fan motor. Depending on the heat of the radiator, the speed of the fan motor is adjusted according to the temperature. This sensor attached to the radiator may be faulty and not control the radiator.

Check thermostat
The thermostat, also called calorstat, is located on the crankcase, it will allow the engine to heat up more quickly when it is cold (below 90 C), by preventing the coolant from passing through the radiator. A faulty thermostat can get stuck closed and prevent the engine from cooling through the radiator. To check the correct operation of this element, check that when the engine overheats that the heat is also present at the level of the radiator.

Check your coolant
The coolant is a liquid with very specific characteristics in order to ensure its role as a "carrier" of calories. The fluid must be drained and renewed regularly , following the manufacturer's recommendations. Too old coolant can be the cause of overheating. It is also advisable to check that the cooling circuit does not contain any air bubbles which could affect its efficiency. If air is present, a purge of the system will be imperative.