When it’s hot outside, the car will overheat after driving a long distance. It doesn’t do it in cold weather.
My car wants to over heat when I drive a long distance in the summer it doesn't do it if I drive a short distance and now that's it's cold weather it doesn't want to over heat I add coolant to it constantly but the reservoir don't loose any or take any water ever and I don't see the coolant leaking on the ground what could be my problem
My car has 167600 miles.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. When coolant gets hot, it expands. Which is why the overflow reservoir exists. If the vehicle tends to overheat during the hot summer season, it may be contributed to the air conditioning system. Anytime you turn the AC on, it’s puts more stress and load on the engine; which can create overheating issues if there is a small coolant leak or issue with cooling system components. Since it’s Winter, it might be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete an overheating inspection; to ensure that your PT Cruiser does not have engine issues next year or in the near future.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The source of the issue could include a cooling system leak, faulty radiator fan, broken water pump, or clogged coolant hose. Regardless of the problem`s source, an overheating engine isn`t something you want to let linger. Your engine could sustain serious, if not permanent, damage.
If your radiator is leaky, clogged, bent/damaged, or if the radiator fan is not operating properly, heat won`t be able to escape your vehicle properly – causing overheating. If you suspect that your radiator is faulty, you won`t be able to fix it on your own.
Yet, it`s a common circumstance to see drivers off to the side of the road with a vehicle that has overheated. While an engine can certainly overheat in any temperature, the heat from the summer can increase the probability of this occurrence.
Engines typically overheat because the coolant is low, so topping it off will often solve the problem. Water will also temporarily do the trick. Check the coolant tank to see if it`s empty, and look under the car to see if it`s leaking.
The furthest you can drive an overheating car is about a ¼ mile before you risk irreversible engine damage. While some vehicles could still make it as far as 20 miles, we would never recommend driving very far with an overheating engine.
If you keep driving when your engine is overheating, your motor is likely to face permanent damage. If you are in a place where you can`t pull over safely and come to a complete stop right away, you should slow down, but keep your vehicle moving to allow a constant airflow around your engine.
Why is my car overheating but it has coolant in it? It could be that the coolant concentration is not correct, or you may have a bad thermostat, a failed water pump, broken drive belt, or a bad radiator or radiator fan.
If there is steam coming out from under the car`s hood, Consumer Reports advises that you should not attempt to lift the hood, adding that it typically takes at least 30 minutes for a hot engine to cool down.
Technically speaking yes you can use plain water in your cooling system but it isn`t recommended as a long term solution and certainly not in extreme weather conditions.
Reasons body temperature may rise
Here are a few common reasons for heat stress: Having an inflammatory illness, such as an infection. Such an illness can cause you to have a fever, which is one indication that something unusual is going on in your body. Having a thyroid disorder known as hyperthyroidism.
Improve airflow
Your computer`s air vents help prevent overheating by moving cooler air through your device. Using your laptop on a soft surface such as a bed or couch may block its vents. Use a table or lap desk and your computer should cool down. Desktop computers also need sufficient airflow to keep cool.
If your vehicle`s engine overheats, it could be due to failing spark plugs. Overheating can happen for a number of reasons that can cause your engine to be too hot. This can harm your engine parts and lead to expensive repairs down the line.
The most common cause of car overheating is low coolant levels. Coolant is the main cooling fluid that your engine relies on for cooling. Coolant circulates through the engine and removes heat from it. If the coolant reservoir is empty or below the recommended levels, you need to add fresh coolant and top it up.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
When it’s hot outside, the car will overheat after driving a long distance. It doesn’t do it in cold weather.
ANSWER : Hi there. When coolant gets hot, it expands. Which is why the overflow reservoir exists. If the vehicle tends to overheat during the hot summer season, it may be contributed to the air conditioning system. Anytime you turn the AC on, it’s puts more stress and load on the engine; which can create overheating issues if there is a small coolant leak or issue with cooling system components. Since it’s Winter, it might be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete an overheating inspection; to ensure that your PT Cruiser does not have engine issues next year or in the near future.
While driving defroster set to hot blows hot air as it should, while idling it is blowing cold air.
ANSWER : First, the coolant level should be checked to make sure the radiator is full. While the overflow tank may be full, the radiator cap must be taken off to check the level inside the radiator. If you find the level is very low, you have a coolant leak that must be fixed. If coolant levels are normal, an engine thermostat or heater control problem may be what you’re experiencing. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look at your lack of heat concern to offer a more personal diagnosis.
Car is idling at high rpm’s and when the days are hot the car cranks but doesn’t turn on and also exhaust is smoking when i rev it
ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest worn piston rings or valve stem seals (smoking), and a possible air leak in the intake, or idle air control valve sticking open (high idle). Both are signs of a higher-mileage engine with significant wear. I recommend an engine inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
When i drive the car’s dash indicator for the Hot-Cold after 10 mins of driving goes to the hot setting ? Where should I start?
ANSWER : The most common causes of overheating include low coolant level, a faulty thermostat, a plugged radiator, collapsed hoses, non functioning cooling fans, and a faulty water pump or drive belt. Certain engine faults, such as a leaking head gasket or poor engine running condition can also cause overheating. If you desire that this problem be diagnosed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request an engine overheating diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. While you are awaiting a diagnostic and repair, it is best not to drive a car that has an overheating engine because overheating will warp the cylinder head and/or engine block causing costly additional damage. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
When I drive a long distance my car gets hot
ANSWER : If your vehicle is overheating, it is likely that you have an issue with your cooling system. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional to determine what part of the cooling system is causing this issue. Some of the potential parts include the radiator, thermostat, or water pump. Consider YourMechanic for this repair as many of these parts can be replaced at your home or office.
My air is blowing cold-hot-cold-hot-cold-hot…
ANSWER : It is possible that you have a leak in the AC system. There are pressure switches that will turn off the compressor if the pressure is too high or too low. The low refrigerant level could cause the AC compressor to cycle on and off. If you would like to have this done, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the AC system and make the correct repair.
car going hot then cold back to hot then cold again
ANSWER : The information given is not enough to definitively say what the issue is. Consider the following questions. Is it the dashboard temperature gauge that is reading like this, or have you checked the actual engine temp with an infrared thermometer, and know for a fact the engine is jumping temperatures? The dashboard’s gauge may be giving you false information. If not, and the engine is truly jumping up an down, you need to have your vehicle inspected by a technician right away. The gauge however, can be getting false information from the computer, or may just be broken itself. Instrument clusters can vary in price and complexity depending on your make and model. You may want to have your vehicle assessed with a scan tool, to get a better idea if any sensors have failed or are reading strangely.
Car not speeding up smoothly, service engine light on when first start driving and car vibrating
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor. The problem this can cause may also be compounded when the engine is cold due to the change in air density in cooler weather. The mass air flow sensor monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. This sensor relays information about fuel and air temperature, air speed entering the motor and many other things to the ECM which uses this to make adjustments to fuel supply to the motor. A dirty or faulty sensor can cause an imbalanced air/fuel load to be supplied to the motor which results in an over fueling or under fueling situation depending on the conditions. This type of inconsistent fuel supply to the motor may cause a hesitation, loss of power, a jerking reaction, potentially a bit of black exhaust smoke and typically a strong smell of fuel when this sensor is malfunctioning. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
It sounds like you may have a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor. The problem this can cause may also be compounded when the engine is cold due to the change in air density in cooler weather. The mass air flow sensor monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. This sensor relays information about fuel and air temperature, air speed entering the motor and many other things to the ECM which uses this to make adjustments to fuel supply to the motor. A dirty or faulty sensor can cause an imbalanced air/fuel load to be supplied to the motor which results in an over fueling or under fueling situation depending on the conditions. This type of inconsistent fuel supply to the motor may cause a hesitation, loss of power, a jerking reaction, potentially a bit of black exhaust smoke and typically a strong smell of fuel when this sensor is malfunctioning. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
