Why Is My Engine Overheating? What It Means and What to Do Next

When your engine starts to overheat, it’s more than just a warning light—it’s a red flag that something under the hood needs attention. Whether you're stuck in Texas traffic or just pulled into your driveway, an overheating engine can quickly go from a mild inconvenience to a significant repair bill. At Guzman Automotive in Taylor, TX, we believe in helping you stay informed so you can act fast and protect your vehicle.

Here’s everything you need to know about why your engine might be overheating, what it means, and how to handle it safely.

What Happens When an Engine Overheats?

Your engine generates a lot of heat when it runs. The cooling system—which includes your radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, and fans—works hard to keep that heat in check. When something in this system fails or gets blocked, the heat has nowhere to go, causing temperatures to rise dangerously.

Suppose your engine temperature gauge spikes, or you see steam coming from under the hood. In that case, your engine is telling you it’s overheating. Ignoring it can lead to warped engine parts, blown head gaskets, or even a total engine failure.

5 Common Reasons Your Engine Might Overheat

At Guzman Automotive, we see a lot of overheating issues—especially in the Texas heat. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Low Coolant Levels

Coolant (also called antifreeze) circulates through your engine to absorb heat and carry it to the radiator. If your coolant is low due to a leak or neglect, your engine can’t stay cool.

2. Broken Water Pump

The water pump is like the heart of your cooling system—it keeps coolant flowing. A failed pump means coolant isn’t moving, so heat isn’t being transferred out of your engine.

3. Radiator Problems

Clogged, cracked, or leaking radiators are a significant cause of overheating. If the radiator can’t release the engine’s heat, it just builds up.

4. Stuck Thermostat

The thermostat controls when coolant flows through the engine. If it’s stuck closed, coolant gets trapped, and your engine overheats quickly.

5. Cooling Fan Malfunction

The radiator fan kicks on when your car gets too hot. If it stops working—due to an electrical issue or sensor problem—your engine won’t cool properly while idling or driving slowly.

What To Do Immediately If Your Engine Overheats

If your temperature warning light comes on or you notice steam, don’t panic. Here’s what to do next:

• Pull over safely. Don’t keep driving—it can make things worse.

• Turn off the engine. Let it cool down before you do anything under the hood.

• Do not open the radiator cap while it is hot. The system is under pressure, and you could get burned.

• Once cool, check coolant levels. If they’re low, that may be the issue, but adding coolant is just a temporary fix.

• Call for help. Whether it’s roadside assistance or a trusted local shop (hey, that’s us!), you don’t want to guess when it comes to overheating.

How Guzman Automotive Diagnoses and Repairs Overheating Issues

When you bring your vehicle to Guzman Automotive in Taylor, our ASE-certified technicians use state-of-the-art tools to pinpoint the cause of the problem quickly. We perform:

• Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs) with photos and videos so you can see exactly what’s going on

• Complete cooling system diagnostics to check your radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses

• Honest, transparent repair recommendations with no pressure and no surprises

We’ll explain your options and help you make the right choice for your vehicle and your budget.

Don’t Wait—Your Engine Depends on It

An overheating engine is one of those problems that only gets worse with time. If your car is showing signs of overheating, bring it to Guzman Automotive for a fast, friendly, and reliable fix.

Schedule Your Appointment Today or give us a call at 512.996.6950