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Car Overheating Full of Coolant

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Overheating full of coolant car have problem with the cooling system, it is possible that the radiator is clogged or the radiator is plugged.

One common cause of the overheating problem is a lack of engine coolant. So, the first thing to do is to check the coolant level. But what if a car overheating full of coolant.

First, open the hood of this vehicle and remove the radiator cap. Only do this when the engine is cold. otherwise, you may burn yourself.  Next, look down into the radiator fill hole and check the coolant level (use a flashlight if necessary). The coolant should sufficiently cover the little metal "fins" inside the radiator. If this is not the case, the coolant level is low. On most vehicles, you can also check the coolant level simply by inspecting the coolant recovery tank. Refer to this vehicle's owner's manual regarding this approach.

If the coolant level is low, the lack of coolant is causing the overheating problem.

Obviously, an engine's cooling system must have the right amount of coolant to work efficiently. Since the coolant level is low (as indicated), this (likely) is the main cause of this problem (the other possibility is a clogged radiator). We are guessing that the coolant level is only slightly low. Why?  Because the temperature gauge reads hot ONLY in hot weather.  On the other hand, if the coolant was extremely low, the temperature gauge would read hot regardless of what the outside temperature was (unless of course, it was very, very cold outside).

What to do?
Using a clean, empty container, make a 50/50 mix of water and anti-freeze (any auto parts store will carry anti-freeze). Then, when the engine is cold (say, in the morning), remove the radiator cap and pour just enough fluid to sufficiently cover the little "fins" inside the radiator. Replace the cap when done. How did the coolant level become low?  Has the radiator boiled over once or twice in the past?  This would account for it.

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Alternatively, maybe there is a leak somewhere in the cooling system.  Have you ever noticed a puddle of coolant underneath this vehicle? If no, maybe it's an internal leak. like that which results from a blown head gasket.  If this is the case, white smoke will come out of the exhaust as you're driving. This is caused by coolant leaking into the engine's combustion chambers and burning off as steam. Whatever the case, please have this vehicle checked out by a mechanic.

If the car is Overheating with full coolant, or the coolant level is not low, the possible problem is the radiator is clogged or the radiator is plugged.


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Let's examine this situation closely. First, if the temperature gauge reads hot in hot weather. That's not such a big deal. especially in stop-and-go traffic. But, the gauge should go down as soon as the vehicle speeds up. However, that's not the case here because of the "at any speed" part which implies that the gauge doesn't go down (or at least doesn't go down much) when the vehicle speeds up. This is the crux of the problem. There are really only two things that can cause this.

The first is that the coolant level may be a little low. However, this was ruled out. The other thing is that the radiator is clogged/plugged up and therefore, even when you drive fast, the air that "hits" the radiator isn't cooling the coolant. Put another way, a radiator is most effective in cooling the coolant (and thus the engine) when the vehicle is going fast. Since the temperature gauge reads hot "at any speed", the radiator must not be working well.

What to do?
First, clean any bugs, debris off the face of the radiator with hot water and a soft brush. Next, have the entire cooling system backflushed.  This is a procedure in which water is run through the cooling system in the opposite direction of normal coolant flow. This will remove much of the rust and particle buildup, restoring the efficiency of the radiator as well as other parts of the cooling system. You can do a backflush yourself quite simply. Any auto parts store will carry a backflush kit.

Car Overheating Coolant Leak

Experiencing an overheating car with a coolant leak can be concerning, as it can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

Pull Over Safely. If you notice your car's temperature gauge rising or steam coming from the engine bay, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Do not continue driving if the car is overheating, as this can cause further damage.

Turn Off the Engine. Once you've pulled over, turn off the engine and allow it to cool down. Do not attempt to open the radiator cap or coolant reservoir while the engine is hot, as the coolant is pressurized and can cause burns.

Check Coolant Level. After the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level in the reservoir. The reservoir is usually a translucent plastic container near the engine with markings for minimum and maximum levels. If the coolant level is low, it's likely there's a leak.

Inspect for Leaks. Look under the car for any signs of coolant puddles or drips. The leak could be coming from various places, such as hoses, the radiator, water pump, or even the engine itself. The source of the leak will determine the appropriate action to take.

Top Up Coolant. If you have coolant on hand, you can top up the reservoir to the recommended level. Be sure to use the correct type of coolant specified in your vehicle's manual.

Avoid Driving. If you've identified a coolant leak, it's best not to drive the car until the leak is fixed. Operating a car with low coolant levels can lead to overheating and severe engine damage.

Tow to a Mechanic. If the coolant leak is significant or you're unsure about how to proceed, it's advisable to call for a tow truck and have the car taken to a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the necessary repairs.

Repair. Once at the mechanic's shop, they will diagnose the source of the coolant leak and recommend repairs. This might involve replacing hoses, fixing the radiator, repairing the water pump, or addressing any other issues causing the leak.

It's important not to ignore coolant leaks or overheating issues, as they can lead to costly engine repairs if left unaddressed. Regular maintenance and inspections of your car's cooling system can help prevent such problems in the future.

Car Overheating Coolant Boiling

If your car's coolant is boiling and causing the engine to overheat, it's a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Boiling coolant can lead to severe engine damage. Here's what you should do:

Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice the coolant boiling and the engine overheating, pull over to the side of the road. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause extensive damage.

Turn Off the Engine: Once you've safely pulled over, turn off the engine immediately. Allowing the engine to run while it's overheating can lead to further complications.

Wait for the Engine to Cool Down: Do not attempt to open the radiator cap or coolant reservoir while the engine is still hot. It's important to give the engine time to cool down before attempting any further actions.

Check Coolant Level: After the engine has cooled down, carefully open the coolant reservoir cap (if equipped) and check the coolant level. If it's low or empty, this could be a sign of a coolant leak. If you have coolant on hand, you might consider adding some to the reservoir.

Inspect for Leaks: Look for any signs of coolant leaks around the engine bay and under the car. A leaking hose, radiator, water pump, or other components could be causing the issue.

Seek Professional Help: Given the severity of the situation, it's recommended to call for a tow truck or roadside assistance. Driving a car with a history of boiling coolant could lead to severe engine damage. A professional mechanic can diagnose the problem accurately and perform the necessary repairs.

Avoid Opening the Radiator Cap: Do not attempt to open the radiator cap while the engine is hot or has recently been running. The coolant is under pressure and can cause severe burns if released suddenly.

Boiling coolant is often a sign of an underlying issue with the cooling system, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, a blocked radiator, a failing water pump, or a coolant circulation problem. Attempting to diagnose or repair these issues without proper knowledge and tools can be risky, so it's best to rely on a qualified mechanic to address the problem.

In general, regular maintenance and keeping an eye on your car's temperature gauge can help prevent situations like this. If you notice any warning signs of overheating or coolant issues, it's important to address them promptly to avoid more extensive and costly repairs.

What Causes a Car to Overheat
What causes a car to overheat is the problem with the cooling system namely the radiator, radiator cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, etc. Read more » What Causes a Car to Overheat

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