Causes of Engine Overheating in Your Volvo

Among many car manufacturers, the Volvo brand is credited as one of the best vehicles suitable for all types of drivers. They ensure drivers enjoy every bit of their driving experience by putting in place several impeccable safety features, top-notch off-road ability, durability and other high-tech components. However, your Volvo needs to be in good working condition to enjoy these great features. One such component is the cooling system.

The cooling system helps to prevent overheating in your car engine. Engine overheating is not uncommon in all cars at times, since they generate extreme heat while functioning. When your engine overheats, it hampers your vehicle’s performance, preventing you from exploring its full potential. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some common causes of engine overheating in your Volvo.

Defective Thermostat

The thermostat has the task of separating the coolant circuits within your Volvo. When your engine maintains the usual temperature, it is usually because the thermostat is effective enough to keep the coolant from entering the engine until it warms up. As the engine heats to a certain temperature, the thermostat opens, and coolant is released to the engine to regulate the temperature. With a defective thermostat, it becomes impossible. The coolant flow to the engine is disrupted, blocking it from cooling the engine, and pushing temperature to rise unregulated. This would subsequently cause your engine to overheat, leading to other performance issues.

If you suspect that your Volvo’s thermostat is faulty, it is important that you get them fixed as soon as possible.

Faulty water pump

The water pump ensures that the coolant is optimally routed through the cooling system. The coolant stays on track by absorbing heat from the engine, moving it to the radiator for extraction, and returning cooler fluid to the engine.

When your water pump becomes faulty, the coolant will no longer have a proper circulating channel through the radiator. This causes the rising temperature in the engine, eventually leading to the engine overheating. The most common signs of a failing water pump include steam from your radiator and visible coolant leaks beneath your vehicle.

Defective Radiator

As earlier stated, the radiator has its part to play in the cooling system of your Volvo. With the help of its fan, the radiator can extract heat coming from your engine. This way, it helps reduce the excessive heat build-up in your engine and prevents overheating. However, the reverse would be the case should the radiator become defective.

This defect could be due to:

• coolant leakage
• clogged radiator
• rust and debris
• poor quality coolant
• defective pressure relief valve

A defective radiator in your Volvo would restrict the ability of the cooling system to absorb the engine’s heat, leading to the case of overheating. It is important that you contact a reputable mechanic at the first instance of a defective radiator to prevent further engine problems.

Poor Oil Level

The engine oil in your Volvo goes a long way in ensuring that the engine component stays well-lubricated. This helps minimize friction that could otherwise influence the overall temperature of your car’s engine. When the oil level becomes low, it brings less lubrication and more friction within the engine parts. This then leads to your engine overheating.

It is advisable to perform regular checks on your oil level to prevent it from dropping to dangerously low levels. This should be taken seriously, as the symptom of your engine overheating may be the first stage of a total engine breakdown.

Indications of an Overheating Engine

If you are experiencing engine overheating in your Volvo, some of the signs to expect include:

• check engine light illumination
• cloud of steam coming from under your hood
• abnormal fluid color
• burning smell
• noises (thumping or ticking)
• difficulty accelerating

Hayes European is Here for Your Volvo

The next time your Volvo is due for maintenance or encounters problems, make an appointment with the most reputable auto service in the Santa Cruz area. At Hayes European, we are Santa Cruz ‘s best auto mechanics and specialists with decade-long experience servicing popular European brands such as Volvo, Volkswagen, Sprinter, Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, and BMW.

When you drive into our shop, be rest assured that your vehicle is handled with utmost sophistication and top factory-grade tools. Give us a call today, and we’d be happy to get you scheduled for service or answer any questions you may have.