It can be alarming when you feel there is something not quite right about your car, but you are not sure what sort of car problems you have. What do you do at times like this? Should you find out on your own what is wrong with your car? Is the smell coming from under your hood normal? What is that clicking sound – is that normal?

If you have been driving your car for so long, and all of a sudden, weird sounds are coming out, it can be astonishing, even worrying. Sure, the best thing to do is to send it to the best auto repair shop, so that they can fix it. However, it would not be such a bad idea if you could diagnose the car problems before sending it to the workshop.

Let’s talk about one of the most common car problems that not many people know about – overheating of the engine. It is common, but if you have not experienced it, you probably would not know your engine is overheating.

A man is very frustrated and sweaty while trying to evaluate his smoking car engine.

Most car engines are designed to function within a normal temperature, which is approximately between 195 and 220 Fahrenheit. A rather consistent operating temperature is important for proper emissions control, performance, and good fuel consumption. However, car problems can definitely arise when the engine runs hotter than usual. This results in overheating of the engine.

Overheating can be caused by a number of things that reduces the cooling system’s capability to absorb, dissipate, and transport heat: a coolant leak, poor heat conductivity, a collapsed lower radiator hose, a defective radiator cover, and so much more.

Car Problems: How to Determine Your Car is Overheating

Here are some tips on how you can be sure that your car is overheating:

Check on the car’s thermostat – severe case of engine overheating can damage a very good thermostat. Thus, you should check your thermostat. You can check the thermostat by starting the engine, and use an infrared non-contact thermometer to check the temperature. It should not be uncomfortably hot, but if it does, it is best to send it to the best auto repair shop.

Check for leaks on the cooling system – One of the most common car problems related to overheating of the engine is the loss of coolant due to a coolant leak. Several leak points include the radiator, thermostat housing, heater core, freeze plugs, and head gasket. You can run a pressure test to reveal if there is any leakage.

Now, if there is some leakage or the thermostat is damaged, you need to find the best auto repair shop near your home. It is not advisable for you to try and fix your car problems on your own.

Car problems can cost a lot, especially if you have let them be for quite some time. For this reason, it is best that you contact us to fix your car problems right away.