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There is nothing as disappointing as going for a drive only to realize your temperature gauge is high. For Volkswagen owners, knowing what to do when their engine is overheating can go a long way in saving it from being damaged. This guide outlines the most common causes of engine overheating as well as simple solutions on how to manage the problem and avoid it in the future so that you can keep your car in good shape.
Understanding Engine Overheating
Engine overheating is a condition in which the engine of the vehicle becomes hot and cannot cool down sufficiently. This can make different parts of the engine become faulty or even get damaged. The cooling system of the engine needs coolant, a radiator, and a water pump to ensure the engine attains the right temperature. When any of the components in this system fails, the engine is prone to overheating.
Main Reasons for Engine Overheating
Low Coolant Level
Antifreeze is used to keep your engine from overheating. If there is little coolant in the system, the engine becomes overheated and this is dangerous for the entire engine. This overheating could be a result of a problem with the cooling system or it might just be that you need to top up the coolant.
Faulty Thermostat
Your VW controls the amount of coolant that flows to the engine through the use of a thermostat. If it is closed, the coolant cannot move and circulate around the engine and this causes overheating of the engine.
Radiator Issues
The radiator aids in the cooling process of the coolant. If the radiator is blocked, or it has a leakage, or is not working properly, the engine will overheat.
Water Pump Failure
This is the component that is responsible for the circulation of the coolant within the engine. If it stops working and does not circulate the coolant through the engine, the engine gets hot and you’ll see the temperature gauge going up.
What to Do When Your Vehicle’s Engine Overheats
Stop and Park Your Car
To deal with engine overheating in your Volkswagen, the first thing is to pull over and stop the car if you observe that the temperature gauge is rising or if there is a light that indicates that the car is overheating. Getting behind the wheel and continuing to drive can result in severe engine harm. Switch off the engine to allow the engine and coolant to cool down; do not open the hood as both the engine and the coolant may be extremely hot; allow around 15-30 minutes before you open the hood.
Inspect The Coolant
On cooling, look at the level of coolant in the reservoir and add some if you find the level low; do not, however, open the radiator cap if the engine is still hot as hot coolant may splash out. Look out for any signs of dripping fluids beneath your car or around the engine compartment and if these are observed, then it is advisable to have the car fixed by an expert.
Check Other Components
Make sure that the radiator and the hoses are not blocked and are in good condition and if not then clean or replace them. If you are confident with minor car maintenance, you can check the thermostat by taking it out and immersing it in hot water to see if it expands; if it does not, replace it. Switch on the engine and allow the engine to warm up while observing the cooling fan; if the cooling fan does not come on, then there might be a problem with the fan motor or relay.
Call for Help
Sometimes, the problem can be hard to diagnose, or adding coolant may not fix the problem, in this case, you should seek the services of a mechanic. They can inspect the cooling system and repair any flaws that may exist in the system. It is dangerous to drive with an overheating engine as this can result in severe damage.
European Service Center Is Ready To Help All Volkswagen Drivers
Every car owner who needs a reputable shop for the repair and maintenance of luxurious European vehicles should come to us at European Service Center. We have been the most sought-after place drivers in Texas and Georgia since 1979, and our technicians can take care of any issues your VW might have.
Whether you’re from Norcross, Chamblee, Cumming, Buckhead, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Duluth, Roswell, Atlanta, GA, or Houston & Dallas, TX, we have you covered. If you see any sign of engine overheating in your VW, bring it to us. We will restore your Volkswagen’s cooling system performance. Book an appointment online now.