Old and dirty coolant can restrict coolant flow throughout the engine and cause it to overheat. Replacing old coolant with fresh coolant often fixes the issue. Similarly, too little coolant, caused by a leak or another issue, can cause overheating.
Vehicle grills may appear to be merely cosmetic, but they are essential for proper airflow. When there isn’t enough airflow from the front, an engine can overheat. The most likely reason this happens is that there is debris stuck in the grill. Removing the debris and occasionally spraying the grill and radiator front will keep the air flowing.
A cooling fan sits between the radiator and the engine and pulls cool air through the car’s radiator. Cooling fans are vital for keeping an engine cool when a vehicle stops or travels too slowly to force air through the grill. When the cooling fan motor fails, it can cause the engine to overheat and usually produce a warning light on the dash.
The cooling system in your car relies on a thermostat to release coolant and water when the engine reaches a specific temperature. If the thermostat isn’t working, the coolant buildup can cause overheating. Leaking coolant, a high-temperature gauge reading, and sudden air temperature changes in the cabin are typical signs of a bad thermostat.