We are here to help if your SUV overheats all the time. Chances are there is a problem with the cooling system if the temperature gauge needle always rises to the red zone. Your SUV may also be overdue for other maintenance services such as an oil change. Severe engine damage can also make the SUV overheat all the time. This includes a cracked head gasket. Let’s focus on the cooling system below.
Cooling System Clogs
The cooling system should be flushed every 30,000 miles to prevent it from getting clogged. If the cooling system is clogged, the coolant will only circulate to the clog and then stop. This will prevent the entire engine from getting coolant, which could be the reason why it is overheating all the time. If you are overdue for a cooling system flush, call our shop to schedule an appointment.
Cooling System Leaks
You may also have a low coolant level in the SUV engine because the cooling system is leaking. The cooling system can spring a leak in the radiator hoses, the water pump, the seals, the thermostat, the gaskets, or the radiator itself. A cooling system service every 30,000 miles allows us to check for leaks in the cooling system so we can repair them before they become a problem.
Faulty Water Pump
If your SUV has over 100,000 miles on the odometer, it’s possible that the water pump has gone bad. The average lifespan of the factory water pump is 10 years or 100,000 miles. If the pump has gone bad, you do not have coolant circulating through the engine because this is the job of the water pump. Unfortunately, the engine’s temperature will rise above 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
Faulty Thermostat
Another cooling system part that can go bad at around the same time is the thermostat. The thermostat keeps track of the engine’s temperature so it can release the coolant when the engine needs it. Unfortunately, if the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not release the coolant into the engine.
Damaged Radiator
Finally, your SUV may overheat all the time if the radiator has been damaged. The radiator is located directly behind the grille, and, as such, it can get damaged by road debris or clogged by dirt. The radiator can also start to leak out of the bottom if it has rusted through.
Call us today if your SUV is overheating all the time. We will find the problem and fix it.
