What actually happens when your car overheats?

car temperature gauge

If you’re cruising down Te Rapa Straight or stuck on Peachgrove Road with the heater on full blast and you see that temp gauge climbing up into the red, that’s not good news. Car engines run hot, but once you’re above 100 degrees, things can get messy fast. Most of the time, it’s a problem with the cooling system – could be anything from dodgy hoses to a tired old radiator. If that gauge spikes, best to pull over at the first safe spot (maybe outside The Base or up Five Cross Roads), pop the bonnet, and let the car cool down. Don’t risk cooking your engine. Believe me – we’ve seen a few Nissan X-Trails and Peugeots come through in pretty rough shape just from driving a few k’s too far while overheating. A tow is way cheaper than an engine rebuild, every time.

Learn more about what happens during overheating >

Why do cars overheat around Hamilton?

With Hamilton’s mix of wet winters, hot summer days, and all the stop-start traffic by Chartwell or Frankton Junction, there’s heaps that can get in the way of your cooling system doing its job. Overheating is pretty common, even on reliable rides like a Mazda Atenza or a classic Toyota Wish – especially on those long slogs to Cambridge or Morrinsville in summer.

Thermostat troubles – Bit like the doorman for your engine, this bit opens and shuts to let coolant through. If it sticks closed (happened to one of our regulars in a Suzuki Swift last week), coolant can’t get in and the engine cooks itself. Learn more about thermostats >

Coolant leaks – Spotted a little green or pink puddle under the nose of your Honda Fit? That’s probably coolant, and if it’s leaking out, your car will struggle to keep cool. Happens a fair bit if you hit a pothole up River Road or snag the undercarriage going over Hamilton East’s never-ending speed bumps. Learn more about coolant leaks >

Low oil – Oil isn’t just for lubrication, it helps shuttle heat away. So if you’ve put off an oil change, you’re risking more than just engine wear. Noticed this a lot on European cars like VW Golfs or Skoda Octavias that get thrashed up and down State Highway 1.

Water pump fail – If this goes, the coolant won’t be circulating, so the whole system’s toast. Seen a surprising number of Hyundai Santa Fes needing a new pump – must be something about those school runs out in Rototuna.

Hamilton weather – On those absolute stinkers in February when everyone’s heading out to Ngaruawahia or Tamahere for a swim, grills can get blocked with dust and debris or the radiator just can’t keep up with stop-start crawling on Wairere Drive.

What should you actually do if your car is overheating?

If you reckon your engine’s getting too hot (maybe steam coming out, temp warning light, or that needle’s way too high), don’t try to limp it home. Pull over, switch the engine off, and wait for a good hour or so before checking under the bonnet. And seriously, never take the cap off the radiator straight away – that’s an easy way to cop a nasty burn.

If you know your way around a socket set, check if the coolant’s low once it’s properly cool. If not, best to give us a bell. It’s not worth gambling a cooked engine just to save a bit of time.

Overheating car repairs – Hamilton and surrounds

We see all sorts of overheated engines roll into Grimmer Motors from all around the Waikato – Chartwell runabouts, Dinsdale utes, Rototuna SUVs, and everything in between. Our techs are right onto it, whether your Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is throwing a wobble or your old Subaru Outback needs a thorough check over.

Here’s some of the common car repairs and services we do to sort overheating:

…and heaps more. Whether it’s a quick car service in Hamilton, full cooling system inspection, or you just want an expert eye on that warning light, we’ve got you sorted.

Give us a shout at Grimmer Motors, and we’ll get your car running sweet as again – before you’ve had time to finish your cuppa.

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