Why Your Car Overheats (And How to Avoid Being Stranded)

Few things are more frustrating—or dangerous—than watching your temperature gauge climb into the red while you're stuck in O’Fallon traffic. Overheating can leave you stranded on I-64 or Highway K, turning a simple commute into a sweaty, stressful ordeal. But why does it happen, and how can you prevent it? Let’s break it down.

Common Reasons Your Car Overheats

  1. Low or Old Coolant – Coolant (aka antifreeze) keeps your engine from turning into a molten mess. If it’s low, contaminated, or hasn’t been flushed in years, your engine will overheat.
  2. Wrong Coolant Type – Not all coolants are the same! Using the wrong type (like putting Dexcool in a car that requires Asian Blue) can cause corrosion and clogs.
  3. Water in the Coolant – Some folks think adding plain water is fine in a pinch. But in Missouri’s fluctuating temps, water alone can freeze in winter or boil in summer, leading to big problems.
  4. Failing Thermostat or Water Pump – If these parts go bad, coolant won’t circulate properly, and your engine will cook itself.
  5. Clogged Radiator or Leaks – Debris, rust, or leaks can block coolant flow, turning your radiator into a very expensive paperweight.

How to Prevent Overheating
✅ Use the Right Coolant – Check your owner’s manual or ask a pro (like us at Hillside Auto Repair) to ensure you’re using the correct type.
✅ Get Regular Coolant Flushes – Over time, coolant breaks down and loses effectiveness. A flush every 30,000–50,000 miles keeps things running smoothly.
✅ Never Just Add Water – A proper 50/50 coolant-water mix is key for temperature regulation. Straight H2O is a no-go!
✅ Inspect Belts & Hoses – Cracked hoses or a worn serpentine belt can lead to coolant leaks or pump failure.
✅ Watch the Temp Gauge – If it starts creeping up, pull over safely before you warp your engine.

Why Trust Matters When Your Car Overheats
When your engine’s on the verge of a meltdown, you need a shop that knows what they’re doing. At Hillside Auto Repair, we:
🔧 Use the same tools and equipment as dealerships
🔧 Offer comprehensive diagnostics and repairs
🔧 Provide a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all services
🔧 Handle everything from coolant flushes to major overhauls

You wouldn’t trust just anyone to perform open-heart surgery—so why risk your car’s engine with an inexperienced shop?

An overheating car is like a toddler throwing a tantrum—ignoring it only makes things worse. Stay cool (literally) by keeping up with maintenance and trusting the pros.

Question for You: What’s the weirdest place your car has broken down? (We’ve heard some wild stories!)