There are few things more frustrating than finding that your car has overheated in winter. While it might seem paradoxical that your car is likely to overheat in cold conditions, it is a common and irritating problem for many drivers. In this guide, you’ll learn some of the most common issues that can cause your car to overheat during the cooler months.
Why Is My Car Overheating In The Winter?
There are several problems that can trigger this issue. We’ll explore some of the most common ones:
Low levels of antifreeze
Faults in the thermostat
Clogged radiator pipes
A cooling system leak
A blockage in the exhaust system
Read on to find out more about each of these issues, to learn some essential winter driving tips and to gain an awareness of what to do if your car does overheat in the winter.
1. Your car may be running low on antifreeze
A lack of antifreeze in your tank can cause your car to overheat. It’s a good idea to check the levels regularly to prevent this. If you find that your antifreeze levels are dropping significantly, you may have a leak that needs to be repaired.
2. The thermostat might be faulty
If you’ve noticed that the temperature gauge on your car’s dashboard does not rise when you’re driving, this can be indicative of a faulty thermostat. A fault in the thermostat can cause overheating and it’s best to visit a trusted mechanic to fix the problem as soon as possible.
3. The car’s radiator pipes could be clogged
Clogged radiator pipes can block the essential airflow that keeps the car cool. Debris can build up in the pipes and cause the car to overheat, even in winter. Check that there is no build-up of stones, leaves or any other blockages around your radiator to prevent this issue from occurring.
4. There could be a leak in the cooling system
Cooling system leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a blown head gasket, a hole in the radiator or issues with the expansion tank. Leaks in the cooling system can cause your car to overheat during the colder months of the year. Visiting a mechanic can help to rectify the problem.
5. Your car might have a blocked exhaust system
Air is expelled via the exhaust and when it is blocked, it can stop the heat from leaving the car, resulting in an overheated car. Sometimes, rodents can shelter in the exhaust pipe and block it so it is important to keep a lookout for this problem.
What To Do If Your Car Overheats
There are some warning signs to look out for that will signal your car has overheated. Warning lights might appear on the dashboard or you will notice steam billowing from the front of your bonnet. When this happens, it is important to react quickly.
Stay calm and find a safe place to pull over as soon as you possibly can without endangering yourself or other road users. Turn off the engine and ensure that all your passengers are safely away from the car and any dangers posed by the road. Don’t carry on with your journey as that could result in serious damage to your car’s engine.
To help keep your car in optimal condition, contact the Green Garage Network. Our specialist techniques can ensure that your car stays in great condition while also increasing your fuel efficiency and making your driving more cost-efficient and eco-friendly. With the Green Garage network, you could reduce your carbon footprint significantly. Contact us today to find out more.
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