Car overheating in summer? Start here
Published 26 September 20264 min read
Before replacing the radiator, simpler and cheaper causes may be behind the overheating.
01What do you do immediately?
Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heating at the highest setting to extract some of the engine heat, then stop in a safe place and turn off the engine. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as the pressurized fluid may cause serious burns.
02Common causes in order
Start with the simplest and least expensive causes before moving on to larger faults:
- Low coolant level or leak
- Damaged radiator cap
- Malfunction of the cooling fan or its sensor
- Thermostat does not open properly
- Weak water pump or clogged radiator
03Prevention is better than repair
Check the coolant level regularly during the summer, use the appropriate coolant for your car instead of water alone, and be sure to check the cooling system before traveling long distances.
