Why is my car overheating? Common causes
An overheating engine is one problem you should never drive through — in UAE temperatures it can turn a small fix into a blown engine fast. Here's what usually causes it and what to do the moment the needle climbs.
Do this first — right away
- Turn the AC off and the heater on (it pulls heat off the engine), and pull over safely.
- Never open the radiator or coolant cap while hot — it can spray boiling coolant.
- Let it cool before checking anything, or call recovery.
Common causes of overheating
- Low coolant or a coolant leak — the most common cause. Look for pink/green fluid under the car.
- Stuck thermostat — if it doesn't open, coolant can't circulate and heat builds quickly.
- Cooling-fan failure — the tell-tale UAE symptom is overheating in traffic but fine on the open road, because the fan (not airflow) has to do the cooling when you're crawling.
- Water pump — if it fails, coolant stops moving.
- Blocked or damaged radiator — sand, debris or an internal blockage.
- Head gasket — the serious one; often shows white exhaust smoke and needs urgent attention.
Typical Dubai cost: a coolant top-up or thermostat is usually modest; a water
pump, radiator or head-gasket job is much more.
Ranges vary a lot by car — get it inspected and quoted before any work.
When to get it inspected
Overheating even once means something is wrong — get it checked before you drive it again. A garage can pressure-test the cooling system and find the leak or the failed part. Ask for a free inspection so you know the real cost before committing.
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