These are just a few of the possible reasons an engine could overheat. If an “overheating” light turns on and you aren’t sure what you should do, don’t panic! Call our auto repair shop in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma today for an appointment. We’ll get you taken care of, and show you the nice difference.

1. Water Pump Failure

   The water pump is the heart of the engine’s cooling system. It constantly circulates water through the system, which impacts the coolant flow rate. The check engine light will turn on if the water pump isn’t working properly. Check for leakage under your car or take it to your local Oklahoma auto repair shop for inspection.

2. Faulty Thermostat

   The thermostat in your vehicle detects the temperature of our engine and signals the cooling system once the engine gets too hot. A properly functioning thermostat is essential to the regulation of engine temperature. Your check engine light can indicate issues with the thermostat. If you ignore this problem there are a number of issues that can arise. Boiling coolant, blowing a gasket or cylinder head are much more expensive than fixing the thermometer.

3. Engine Coolant is Low, Dirty or Leaking

   Just like your engine needs oil in good condition, it also needs engine coolant in good condition. When your engine’s coolant is leaking, you could see white exhaust smoke. This smoke is a symptom of an internal coolant leak, which may be caused by a cracked cylinder head.

4. Dirty Air Filter

   Car air filters are very similar to the ones that work in your home, meaning they need to be replaced quite frequently if you want them to function properly. When the air filter in your home isn’t clean, your AC unit can’t pull air through it as quickly as a clean air filter does. This means your home cools down a lot slower. The same goes for your engine’s air filter. If your engine is overheating, it may be time to take a look at the air filter and try to recall when you last had it replaced.

5. Loose or Broken Belt

   The belt is the link turning the water pump at the necessary speed for maintaining proper coolant flow throughout the cooling system. If a belt is loose or broken, there’s no way for the system to stay at the correct, constant speed. Belt speeds that are inconsistent cause inadequate coolant flow, which will, in turn, lead to your engine overheating.