How to Prevent Your Car from Overheating

Every vehicle produces a certain amount of heat during operation, which can cause the engine to overheat and thus multiple problems, from poor performance to failure. This is why proper cooling system operation is crucial to keeping the engine at optimum operating temperature while it is running.

It must, therefore, constantlyoverheating engine measure the engine temperature and regulate it adequately. To fulfill this role, the cooling system depends on two main elements: the coolant and the temperature sensor. Together, these components determine the engine temperature at all times and control it to prevent the engine from overheating. Their failure has a direct impact on the engine.

Cooling System

The proper functioning of the cooling system is largely dependent on the coolant. This fluid, also called antifreeze, is used to evacuate the heat coming from the parts of the engine to avoid overheating. In addition, it must not freeze at low ambient temperature to ensure the operation of the engine in all climatic conditions. The operation of the cooling system is as follows:

  • The coolant circulates through pipes around the engine thanks to the water pump.
  • The radiator and the fan then cool it.
  • Finally, the cooled liquid circulates again in the cooling system.

Antifreeze Overheating Issues

Too Old or Contaminated Coolant: Like most automotive components, antifreeze has a limited service life, typically around five years or 250,000 km. Too old coolant loses efficiency and becomes clogged with debris formed by seal wear and rust, which can cause the engine to overheat. It is therefore imperative to replace it on time by purging the system to ensure its cleanliness because it also becomes clogged over time.

Liquid level drop: the level can be checked in the expansion tank. If the system is low in antifreeze, the heat can cause the liquid present to boil, causing the engine to overheat. In this case, it suffices to top up with antifreeze to restore good engine operation.

Leaks: the fluid passes through pipes all around the engine, such as the cylinder head. A leak at the cylinder head gasket (which provides the link between the engine block and the cylinder head, in which fluid circulates) is a common cause of engine overheating. Poor sealing of the gasket usually necessitates its replacement, which is carried out by a specialist.

Temperature Sensor

The temperatureengine overheating sensor installed in the cooling circuit constantly measures the temperature of the coolant. This sensor is connected to the engine control unit (UCM), which sends a regular voltage. Temperature affects the resistance of the sensor, helping to determine temperature changes within the system.

This information is received by the UCM, which then calculates the temperature of the coolant. The latter is indicated on the dashboard. It is regulated by the amount of fuel injection, its mixture with the air before injection, and the activity (or stopping) of the cooling fan, according to the needs of the engine.