A car can overheat due to a lot of variables. The key is to prevent the overheating from happening in the first place. In order to do so, you must know what to look for. Next are a few things to look out for should this malfunction happen to you.

Loose Caps

Every month, you should always check for loose coolant caps, nuts, and bolts. A stripped bolt or a cracked cap could cause havoc on your car. Particularly, in the cooling system. Any faulty item can cause coolant to leak or overheat. Replace any worn component immediately.

Low Fluid Levels

Low coolant and water can also cause your car to overheat. If you find that your fluids are low, you can be sure that you have some sort of leak somewhere. Making sure that your engine is cool, fill the low fluid back up with water for a temporary fix. If you are unable to locate and fix the leak, find a reputable car repair shop to do the fix for you.

Thermostat

If you are sure there are no leaks, a broken thermostat may be to blame. Locate the thermostat, usually by the radiator, and inspect for any damages. Once the engine is cool, remove the thermostat and replace if you find it to be faulty. While you can drive without one, it should never be for numerous miles, as you can severely damage your car.

Weather

An overheated car can also come from extremely hot temperatures. If you have an older car or rather finicky one, try to avoid driving in extreme heat. If you can’t, limit your time on the road or only drive before sunrise or after sunset.

Water Pump

A failing water pump is also a common cause of overheating. Located in the cooling system, normal wear and tear can cause it to break. Once the pump is out of commission, overheating starts. A full replacement of the water pump would be necessary.

Cooling System Blockage

From time to time, there could be some loose sediment or debris in the cooling system that will eventually create a blockage of fluids. This blockage could impede passage of the coolant from the radiator to the engine. Make sure to clean any leaves, sticks or dirt from the front of your car on a consistent basis. This debris can make its way inside the engine or cooling system and cause your car to overheat.