It may seem counterintuitive to say that your car is overheating in the winter or colder months, but is not. An overheating engine can happen any time of year, even when the temperature goes below freezing. If you don’t want to be the person stuck on the side of the road, it helps to know what problems can cause your vehicle to overheat this time of year.
#1: Failing Thermostat
One of the most common causes of an overheating engine in the winter is a faulty thermostat. If you notice that your temperature gauge doesn’t rise as you drive, it means the thermostat is not working. While you may think it is not a big deal, this part measures the temperature to determine whether it should allow more or less coolant to flow through the engine.
#2: Bad Radiator
Over time, debris and other particles can accumulate and clog the radiator. As a result, it can block airflow and cause your engine to overheat.
#3: Leaking Coolant/Antifreeze
Last but not least, you should frequently check your coolant levels in the winter. It can help you spot leaks early on, so your engine doesn’t overheat. To confirm whether you have a leak, top the reservoir off with some coolant and check it again the next day.
It might seem a little weird at first to be concerned about engine overheating in the winter. The reality is that it can creep up on you at any time. When your car overheats, make sure you stop driving and pull over safely to the side of the road. You should shut off the engine and call for roadside assistance to bring your vehicle to the experts at Rix Automotive.