Jan 13, 2023

A car overheating is a stressful situation for any driver. Knowing the most common causes is important before you bring it to your Cadillac dealer for a mechanic to diagnose and repair. Coolant leaks, broken water pumps, blown head gaskets, and damaged radiators are often the culprit.

What Causes Your Car’s Engine to Overheat?

Coolant Leaks

Coolant is your first defense against an overheated engine. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine before going to the radiator to be cooled down. When there’s a leak, your coolant levels get too low, meaning there won’t be enough liquid to travel through the engine and absorb heat. You can check your coolant levels and fill them up when the engine is cold. Recheck the next day. If you need to refill it, a mechanic needs to look.

Broken Water Pump

The water pump circulates the coolant through the coolant system. If the water pump is faulty or damaged, the coolant won’t be able to circulate through the engine as well, or not at all. This causes your engine to overheat even when the coolant levels are fine. Replacing a water pump is relatively simple and is considered an easier task as far as auto repairs go, so you may be able to do it yourself.

Blown Head Gasket

The head gasket keeps the engine block and cylinder head separate. Coolant can get into the combustion chamber when it’s damaged, and oil can get into the coolant system. A blown gasket usually results in a visible coolant leak, but it can result in lower levels without a leak. White oil and smoke from your 2023 Cadillac CT5 Luxury’s tailpipe or hood is a common sign.

Damaged Radiator

The coolant travels through the radiator to cool back down after it’s gone through the engine. If the radiator is damaged, the coolant can stay warm and lose its ability to cool the engine. The radiator has a lot of parts that can go bad, so it’s important to have them checked by mechanics. While radiators can be repaired, it’s best to have them replaced.

Car Overheating? Visit Your Local Cadillac Dealer

Your coolant system must be repaired as quickly as possible. If your car overheats, it can cause the entire engine to seize, resulting in a much more expensive repair. You should take your vehicle to a dealership if you don’t feel comfortable doing the repairs yourself. If your car is still under warranty, taking it to a dealer can save you a lot of money.

No one wants to deal with an overheated vehicle. If your car is having issues staying cool, stop by Service Cadillac today so we can assess, diagnose, and repair your problem. We guarantee you won’t leave disappointed.

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