While there are a variety of reasons your Pontiac Grand Am is overheating, the most common 3 are a
coolant leak
(water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat. Coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.)
Why is my car overheating all of a sudden?
There are a variety of reasons that a vehicle can overheat, such as
cooling system leaks
, blocked hoses from corrosion and mineral deposits, radiator issues or broken water pumps. Regular inspections may help avoid overheating issues down the road. Come in today for a consultation on your coolant/antifreeze fluid.
How do you fix an overheating engine?
- Kill the A/C and crank the heat. Immediately turn off the air conditioner to reduce stress on the engine. …
- Find a safe place to pull over. Pull over and shut off the car. …
- Check and add coolant (if you have it). …
- Restart the engine.
What are 10 common causes of overheating?
- Leaks in the Cooling System. …
- Incorrect Coolant Concentration. …
- Loose Coolant Hose Clamp. …
- A Faulty Thermostat. …
- Clogged or Cracked Car Radiator. …
- Worn Out or Burst Hoses. …
- Bad Radiator Fan. …
- Loose or Broken Belts.
How do I get my car to stop overheating?
- Park your car in the shade. …
- Use car window shades. …
- Tint your windows. …
- Leave car windows open slightly. …
- Turn the floor air vents on. …
- Use the fresh air setting instead of recirculation on your A/C. …
- Keep your eye on the car temperature gauge. …
- Turn on the heat to cool the engine.
What are the signs of a blown head gasket?
- White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
- BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
- unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
- Milky white coloration in the oil.
- Engine overheating.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
- Leakage from the mounting surface. Appearance: Seepage, drips or large coolant bleed marks on or around the mounting surface or on the housing. …
- Rust and corrosion. Appearance: Rust and corrosion on the surfaces of the thermostat. …
- Deposit build-up. …
- Map-controlled thermostats.
How do I know if my engine is damaged from overheating?
- Hot Hood. When the engine is running, you can expect the hood to emit heat and feel warm to the touch. …
- Temperature Gauge or Light. …
- Ticking Noise. …
- Coolant Leaking on the Ground. …
- Smells “Hot” …
- Steam Coming from the Hood. …
- Thumping Noises. …
- Reduced Engine Power.
How can I cool down my engine fast?
- Turn off the air conditioner. Running the A/C puts a heavy load on your engine.
- Turn on the heater. This blows some excess heat from the engine into the car. …
- Put your car in neutral or park and then rev the engine. …
- Pull over and open the hood.
Can I pour water on my engine to cool it down?
Do not pour cold water into a still-hot radiator
— it could cause the engine block to crack due to the sudden change in temperature. … Note that most cars require a 50/50 mix of coolant with water to prevent overheating, so you won’t be able to drive indefinitely with nothing but water.
What is the most common cause of a vehicle overheating?
Leaks
are the #1 reason a vehicle begins to overheat. Leaks in hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, heater core, head gasket, freeze plugs and a few other things can all lead to problems with the vehicle’s cooling system.
Can low oil cause overheating?
Low Oil. … So, if your car is low on oil, possibly
due to an oil leak, it can lead to engine overheating
. Oil lubricates internal engine components and makes sure they move smoothly. Lack of lubrication causes friction, which will generate excessive heat, and potentially cause the engine to fail.
How much does it cost to fix overheating car?
For most cars, some of the more expensive repairs to overcome the car running hot will cost
between $500 and $1,500
. These include replacing the water pump, radiator, or head gasket and changing the heater core cost. If you have a specialty engine or a diesel, these repairs may be even more expensive.
What happens if your car overheats and you keep driving?
If you continue to drive an overheated car, you
run the risk of warping your cylinder heads
. This result is decreased power, misfiring, and excessive oil burning. However, cylinder heads aren’t the only things in your engine that can melt; other components like sensors, belts, and wiring are also at risk.
Can I drive my car after it overheats?
Driving your car when it’s overheating can cause serious – and sometimes permanent – damage to your engine, so
it’s best to stop driving as soon as possible
.
Why is my car running hot when sitting still?
A Broken Radiator Fan
If your car begins to overheat when idling, but the temperature gauge moves back down once you get going, it’s most likely due to a broken radiator fan. … However, when your car is sitting still,
the radiator fan should kick in
, keeping the air moving over the radiator to help cool down the coolant.
