Are you starting to notice green fluids on the ground when you drive away? Or that your temperature gauge has been getting hotter and hotter? Chances are that you’re coming close to the overheating of your car—if it hasn’t happened already—and you will want to make sure you are prepared when it occurs. Continue reading to find out why your car is overheating and what to do once it happens.

Possibilities for Your Car Overheating

There can be many causes of a car overheating issue; however, the overarching reason is because something inside the cooling system is preventing the absorption, transportation, or release of heat. For example, if you have a cooling system leak, such as a radiator leak or a leak in your water pump, head gasket, or thermostat housing, your engine isn’t going to be able to cool properly. Fortunately, a skilled mechanic can usually find a radiator leak, seal it, and you can be on your way, so long as you tend to the leak sooner rather than later. If there is no radiator leak, the next thing you’ll want to check is your coolant hose for dirt or sediment blocking the flow of fluid through your hoses. Flushing the system and refilling the coolant tank may be in order.

Don’t Ignore Signs of Your Car Overheating

As previously stated, the most standard cause of car overheating issues derives from the radiator. Radiator leaks, clogs, and radiator fan problems hinder heat from properly fleeing your car. In turn this leads to the engine temperature to increase. If you have any inkling that you may have a radiator issue, get your radiator inspected immediately because getting your radiator repaired or replaced is significantly more cost efficient than repairing or replacing your engine.

Trust Us to Help When Car Overheating Has Got You Down

If you notice your car is overheating, turn the heat on in your car, as this will help move hot air away from your engine, and bring it to a mechanic right away. Procrastination is not an option when it comes to car overheating—you could cause your engine system to fail, which can mean thousands of dollars in auto repairs. Tend to that radiator leak now, get the radiator repair you need, and thank yourself later.