No one wants to deal with a vehicle that has overheated.

An overheated engine is not just an inconvenience. And, if you’re vehicle has overheated, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible in order to prevent your engine from getting damaged even further, including total engine failure in extreme cases. But, there’s good news — when you take the right steps, you can prevent your vehicle from overheating. However, in order to do that, you need to learn what causes a vehicle to overheat in the first place. Here are the most common causes of overheating in a vehicle:

#1. Cooling System Leaks

Leaks in the cooling system are the most common reasons why vehicles overheat. Leaks can occur in the radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, heater core, thermostat housing, freeze plugs, or head gasket. Checking your radiator hoses on a regular basis and watching out for signs of damage or weakness in your cooling system can go a long way toward preventing cooling system leaks.

#2. Thermostat Problems

The thermostat in your vehicle is one of the most important parts when it comes to overheating prevention. The thermostat is the valve where coolant passes through to the radiator. If the thermostat gets jammed in the closed position, the coolant can’t pass through and the engine will eventually overheat. Ensure that your cooling system is properly maintained to prevent thermostat problems, and at the first sign that your vehicle is starting to overheat, have it inspected right away.

#3. Coolant Concentration Issues

Most people know that they should keep an eye on the coolant levels in their vehicle, and refill the coolant when it gets low. However, what most people don’t realize is that it’s just as important to use the right kind of coolant, and the right concentration. You need the right mix of coolant and distilled water in order to prevent your vehicle from overheating. Furthermore, coolant can become corrosive over time, and should be flushed every five years or 30,000 miles.

#4. Burst or Worn Hoses

The coolant hoses are essential for a functioning cooling system in your vehicle, as they are responsible for getting coolant to the engine. But, holes and cracks can develop in hoses over time, particularly in rubber hoses, which will weaken with continued exposure to the heat in your engine. Rubber hoses can also burst from a buildup of pressure. Inspect your coolant hoses on a regular basis. You should also consider replacing the rubber coolant hoses with silicone coolant hoses for longer lasting durability and a greater resistance to heat.

These are just a few of the many things that can cause your vehicle to overheat, and to learn about the rest of them, please stay tuned for our next blog.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in preventing your vehicle from overheating, replacing your rubber coolant hoses with silicone coolant hoses is the way to go, and at Flex Technologies, we have the perfect silicone hoses for your vehicle. Shop with us online today, and feel free to contact us if you need help finding the right option.