To most car owners, very few nightmares could compare to overheating problems.
Picture this, it’s a baking hot summer afternoon, and you are driving around in your car attending to various errands. Then, you notice it is getting hotter while the AC is on full blast! You can’t help but wonder what is happening.
What do you do?
Well, we have compiled this article to guide you if and when you face such a situation. We will tell you the signs to look out for, introduce you to common causes, and suggest ideal quick solutions. Get your full auto air conditioning service and car ac repair.
Car overheats when AC is on – Common symptoms:
Temperature gauge
Your car’s temperature gauge is supposed to alert you in case of engine overheating. Check it regularly. If it indicates ‘high,’ your vehicle is running hot.
According to most experts, your car’s average running temperature should be within 195-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, you may get alerted anytime it exceeds this range.
Moreover, look out for leaking coolant because it can undermine the temperature gauge and render it useless.
Car feeling physically hot
A vehicle’s hood is supposed to feel hotter than other parts. However, you should be able to place your hand on it for at least 10 seconds. If you can’t touch it for 10 seconds without risking scalding, you have an overheating issue.
Ticking sounds from the engine compartment
An under-lubricated engine produces ticking noises. That tells you oil levels are low and you need to a top. Ensure you check for any leakages that may be responsible for this problem.
Your engine has a dipstick for measuring oil levels. Pull it out, wipe it clean, then reinsert all the way in. Then, pull it back out and check whether your oil levels meet the required parameters.
If you are not familiar with checking oil levels, consult your mechanic.
Engine shut down
Modern automobiles come with computers programmed to shut down the engine when overheating happens. This component is incorporated to protect your car’s engine from damages that arise from critically high coolant temperatures.
Top reasons why your car overheats when AC is on
Many possibilities make your car overheat with the air conditioner on, but the most common causes are:
AC compressor overload
If your AC compressor has a problem, it will overload the engine. That mean’s your car’s engine will have to tackle additional power needs and, subsequently, overheat.
Check if your AC compressor is overloading the engine with extra rotations. That may be the reason your car is overheating while the AC is on.
Problem with radiator
A defective or clogged radiator affects the cooling systems in your vehicle. If you have been struggling with constant overheating issues, check if accumulated debris and dirt interfere with the radiator’s performance.
Faulty fan
Faulty cooling fans are likely to cause overheating in your car even while you are not speeding or at a stop. Typically, a shortage of air supply through your condenser and radiator causes this issue.
If you are facing this predicament, check if your fans are damaged or if the fins are clogged. A faulty fan can be shown by the P0480, if you get your car checked by a trusted diagnostic tool like the Launch scanner. Plus, ensure the fan switch is functioning seamlessly.
Incompetent cooling system
Your vehicle uses a refrigerant in the condenser to keep you cool as you drive. If the condenser fins have a problem, e.g., blockage, they will not regulate temperature. Therefore, it will get hotter and, as a result, your engine will overheat.
Furthermore, corroded parts and damaged bearings contribute to overheating by causing failure in the water pumps used by the cooling system. Other possible causes include radiator leaks, defective AC relays, and faulty thermostats.
Defective engine coolant sensor
A failing or damaged temperature switch (sensor) often causes overheating problems. In most cases, it consistently sends incorrect hot signals to your car’s computer system and, therefore, makes it compensate unnecessarily.
If your car’s computer tries to resolve incorrect hot signals too often, overheating will arise eventually. The engine light or temperature gauge located on your vehicle’s dashboard should alert you whenever you face this problem.
Quick solutions to fix the problem:
Use these hacks to get rid of the inconveniences of overheating with AC on:
Have Your Mechanic Check – Check Your Gas Compatibility
Your mechanic should help you check if the refrigerant used is compatible with the AC’s compressor. If not, then such a situation might have led to compressor damage (due to the added pressure) which in turn could have caused overheating. You’d be getting hot air in your car through the vents instead of cool air.
Clean your radiator
Frequent maintenance cannot get overemphasized. Don’t wait for your car to break down completely to call a mechanic. It will only cost more and interfere with any plans that involve using your car.
Cleaning your radiator is an essential part of maintenance. If the radiator has grime blockages, thermoregulation will be affected. And, as a result, you’ll have to grapple with constant overheating problems.
Install an air pressure gauge
An overheated engine also results from poor airflow through your car’s radiator. To decimate this, install an easy-to-read pressure gauge on either end of the radiator. It will help you detect any airflow issues.
Flush the coolant system
If your car overheats without any discernible reasons like leaking coolant, consider flushing the cooling system. Coolant often gets contaminated.
Other signs that indicate you need to flush include grinding noises in the engine and debris present in the coolant.
Change the coolant mixture every two years
Ensure your car’s coolant gets changed at least biennially (once every two years). That is essential if you want to avoid corrosion and get the best out of your vehicle. Furthermore, before any journey, check if your radiator has the recommended amount of coolant.
If you need help changing your coolant, hire a professional mechanic.
Add water to the radiator
Water isn’t as efficient as coolant. However, you may use it if your engine’s coolant reservoir is extremely low to prevent overheating. Distilled water is the best option in such a scenario. Tap water, on the other hand, will only augment corrosion and compromise your radiator.
In addition, replace water with the appropriate coolant for your car as soon as you can. That is the best way to improve longevity.
What to do if a car overheats with AC on in traffic?
If your car overheats in traffic, follow the five steps below:
Step 1:
First, pull over when it is safe.
Step 2:
Then park and turn the engine off or put it in neutral.
Allow the engine to lose as much heat as possible before doing anything else. That should take approximately 10 minutes or more.
Step 3:
Once you are sure the hood is safe to open, do it to allow cooler air in and excess heat out.
To avoid injury, don’t pop the hood if it is still hot or you notice signs of steam. Note that it is dangerous to take off the radiator cap on an overheated engine.
Step 4:
Allow the engine to cool off further.
Step 5:
Once the coast is clear, turn the ignition but don’t start the engine.
Then, check if your engine fluids are leaking by looking for puddles on the ground and consulting the temperature gauge. Start the engine if everything seems fine.
Step 6:
Once the engine is running, listen keenly for any strange noises before driving away.
If you hear any thumping or ticking sounds, contact roadside assistance services immediately to avoid causing more damage.
However, if you are on a busy road where pulling over is inadvisable, turn off your car’s air conditioning the moment you notice signs of overheating. Then, consider if you can park or put it in neutral to allow the engine to cool off.
Final Thoughts
Numerous factors cause cars to overheat in the summer. The most common culprits include poor maintenance, coolant leakages, and mechanical failures like a defective radiator.
Use the signs outlined above to identify overheating problems before they incapacitate your vehicle. And, if you are unsure of what to do, contact your repair technician for professional advice and assistance.
Finally, always treat an overheated engine with extreme caution. Don’t attempt to pop the hood or remove the radiator cap unless you are 100% sure it’s safe to do so.
