Overheating is one of the most serious problems an engine can face. Your engine is hot, but the cooling system in your Mazda is designed to keep its temperature under control. If your engine temperature rises and continues to rise, you’re in danger of a car overheating. As your Mazda dealer, we’d like to give you advice on some of the reasons your engine is too hot.
Advice From Your Mazda Dealer: 3 Possible Reasons for a Car Overheating
Coolant Level Is Low
Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water and can absorb heat. Your engine generates large volumes of heat due to combustion, and this heat must be removed to prevent damage to your engine. Coolant circulates through your engine and absorbs heat radiating from the various components it passes. This heat is conveyed to the radiator where its exchanged for cool outside air.
Unlike engine oil, coolant isn’t consumed by your engine. A low level of coolant is a sign that there’s a leak somewhere in the closed cooling system. As your engine loses coolant, the temperature will steadily rise. If you see your engine temperature going up, call our service department right away. Our technicians will trace the leak and repair it.
Cracks in the Radiator
The radiator exchanges heat in the coolant for air blowing through the radiator grille. Once the coolant arrives in the radiator, it’s directed into rows of thin metal tubes. The airflow over these tubes dissipates the heat, and the now cool coolant is recycled through the system again. The cooling system is highly pressurized, and over time the heat and pressure can lead to radiator damage.
A radiator is constructed from plastic and aluminum. This reduces weight and allows for very efficient cooling. As time passes, cracks can develop in the plastic sections of the radiator, and coolant will leak out. As we saw above, leaking coolant will cause a rapid rise in engine temperature. We’ll examine your radiator for signs of damage, and we can replace it if it’s cracked.
Worn Radiator Cap
The radiator cap is securely attached to the top of your radiator. The cap is responsible for controlling the pressure in the cooling system and preventing coolant from escaping. As additional security, the cap has two seals to provide an airtight fit. The cap and seals are regularly checked during your routine car service to ensure they’re in good condition.
A worn or cracked seal can allow coolant to escape. This will also decrease the pressure in the system and slow the coolant flow. We’ll examine the cap and seals for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
If your engine temperature is too high, call us immediately at Mazda City of Orange Park.
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