EXPERT IN AUTO PARTS
Table of content
For most of the modern car, the normal operating engine temperature is in the range of 75 to 105 degrees Celsius. When it reaches 80-90 degrees, the thermostat allows the cooling fluid flow through the other cooling circuit. If the temperature continues rising, the radiator fan starts cooling the engine. An engine cooling system is a complex structure with many components which, if malfunctioning, can cause the engine to overheat.
The car's temperature gauge usually has a needle that moves between "C" (cold) and "H" (hot). During normal operation, the needle should remain in the centre of the gauge or slightly below, indicating that the engine is operating within a safe temperature range. If the needle starts to move towards the "H" mark, it's a sign that the engine is getting too hot.
Engine overheating is a serious problem that can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Typically, a car is considered to be overheating when the engine temperature exceeds 105 degrees Celsius (221 degrees Fahrenheit). Most modern vehicles are equipped with a dashboard temperature gauge, which is an essential tool for monitoring engine health.
If your engine overheats at idle, it could be due to a faulty radiator fan, low coolant level, a blocked radiator, a faulty thermostat or a faulty water pump. These problems prevent proper cooling, especially when the car isn't moving, leading to overheating. Prompt inspection is essential to avoid engine damage.
Article number: 701522
£ 67,10
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
MAHLE ORIGINAL Thermostat
Opening Temperature: 75°C
Article number: TH 5 75
£ 20,65
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-18%
HEPU Water pump
Number of Teeth: 29, with gaskets/seals, with thermal management module, Mechanical
Article number: P673
RRP
£ 447,76
£ 365,24
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-33%
METZGER Thermostat
Opening Temperature: 95°C, Plastic
Article number: 4006164
RRP
£ 76,27
£ 50,43
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-16%
FEBI BILSTEIN Thermostat
Opening Temperature: 105°C, with seal, with Temperature Switch
Article number: 103197
RRP
£ 76,20
£ 63,60
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Engine coolant over temperature refers to a condition where the engine coolant temperature exceeds the safe operating range specified by the manufacturer. If left unchecked, an over-temperature condition can cause the engine to overheat, leading to serious issues such as warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, or even complete engine failure.
The normal engine oil temperature for most vehicles is typically between 90°C and 120°C. This temperature range allows the engine oil to maintain its optimum viscosity, ensuring proper lubrication and protection of engine components. At these temperatures, the oil is fluid enough to flow easily and provide the necessary cooling, yet thick enough to form a protective film on engine parts.
If your car is overheating, there are ten common causes you need to look out for. These include coolant leaks, low coolant, a faulty thermostat, a broken radiator fan, radiator issues, clogged hoses, water pump failure, malfunctioning radiator cap, engine oil problems, and a blocked exhaust system.
Here's a list of common causes of engine overheating:
The average engine temperature typically ranges from 75 to 105°C. When it exceeds 105°C, it's considered a high engine temperature, signalling potential overheating.
A common cause of engine overheating is low coolant levels, often due to worn hoses or leaks. These leaks allow air into the system, reducing its cooling efficiency. A damaged radiator can also cause coolant loss, leading to similar issues.
Article number: 01-37045-01
£ 160,73
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
INA Water pump
with belt pulley, with seal, with water pump, with thermal management module, with housing, for timing belt drive
Article number: 538 0360 10
£ 303,59
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-20%
AKS DASIS Engine radiator
Aluminium, for vehicles with/without air conditioning, 417 x 495 x 32 mm, Manual-/optional automatic transmission, Brazed cooling fins
Article number: 120170N
RRP
£ 198,57
£ 157,22
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-55%
TOPRAN Thermostat housing
with gaskets/seals, without thermostat
Article number: 638 758
RRP
£ 68,66
£ 30,50
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-63%
Article number: 817.384
RRP
£ 230,59
£ 83,45
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
If the coolant level is fine but the engine still overheats, a stuck or clogged thermostat could be to blame. This device is meant to open an extra cooling circuit when temperatures rise, but a faulty one will restrict coolant flow.
A failing water pump or a damaged pump belt can also cause overheating by disrupting coolant
circulation. Blocked hoses or radiator passages, often due to scale buildup from non-distilled water, may further hinder coolant flow.
Overheating can also stem from low engine oil, which reduces lubrication, causing friction and heat. A blown head gasket or a broken radiator fan can similarly lead to rising engine temperatures, making prompt attention crucial.
Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours for an engine to cool down completely after being turned off. On a hot day, it might take longer for the engine to cool, while cooler weather or the use of a cooling fan could shorten the time. It's important to let the engine cool adequately before performing any maintenance to avoid burns or other injuries. The time it takes for an engine to cool down can vary depending on several factors, including the engine's size, the ambient temperature, and whether the vehicle is in a shaded or exposed area.
It's usually best to let the engine cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before adding oil. This lets the engine and its parts settle down and reduces the risk of burns when handling the oil cap or dipstick. Also, if the engine is too hot, the oil reading might not be accurate, which could lead to overfilling or underfilling. However, the engine doesn't need to be completely cold, as warm oil flows better and mixes more evenly.
To start, turn off the air conditioning to lighten the load on the engine and turn on the heater to its highest setting. This may seem counterintuitive, but the heater draws heat away from the engine into the cabin, which can help lower the engine temperature. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool down for at least 15-30 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the engine and its components to return to a safer engine operating temperature before you inspect or add coolant.
Once the engine has cooled, carefully open the hood and check the coolant level in the overflow tank. If the coolant is low, you may need to add more, but only do so after ensuring the engine is no longer hot to avoid injury from steam or hot liquid. Inspect the radiator, hoses, and coolant reservoir for any signs of leaks or damage.
If all appears well and the coolant level is adequate, you may restart the engine and monitor the temperature gauge closely. Should the engine overheat again, it is advisable to call for roadside assistance rather than risk further damage by continuing to drive. It is important to remember that regular maintenance of your vehicle's cooling system including the thermostat is essential to prevent overheating incidents and to ensure the engine remains within its optimal engine operating temperature.
An engine is the heart of any vehicle and should be treated with the utmost care and attention. Overheating greatly reduces the life of the engine and sometimes major repairs exceed the value of the car. Always pay attention to warning lights and temperature gauges, check coolant and oil levels and make sure there are no leaks if you notice any fluid under your car.
REINZ Full Gasket Set, engine
with crankshaft seal, with valve stem seals
REINZ Full Gasket Set, engine
with valve stem seals, with crankshaft seal
PIERBURG Water pump
with seal ring, switchable water pump, electromagnetic, Plastic
GATES Thermostat
Opening Temperature: 82°C, with gaskets/seals, without housing
ELRING Gasket, cylinder head
1,35 mm, Ø: 84 mm, Multilayer Steel (MLS)
VALEO Engine radiator
Aluminium, 650 x 415 x 34 mm, without coolant regulator, Mechanically jointed cooling fins
MAHLE ORIGINAL Thermostat
Opening Temperature: 101°C, with seal
TOPRAN Thermostat
Opening Temperature: 92°C, with seal, with housing, Metal Housing
SKF Water pump
with gaskets/seals, with integrated disabling contact, switchable water pump, Plastic, for timing belt drive
ABAKUS Thermostat housing
with sensor