Causes of Car Engine Overheating and How to Fix Them


The performance and operation of a car depend on its engine, which is one of the most important parts of the car. If it malfunctions, it can directly and negatively affect other parts of the car, making it difficult to drive smoothly and flexibly as usual. Sometimes, you may experience an increase in the car’s temperature when it operates for long periods, such as when waiting at a traffic light for a long time during rush hour, and notice an increase in the car’s temperature when the air conditioner is on or even when it is off. This increase in temperature is a sign of a problem or malfunction in the car. To learn more about the reasons for the car’s temperature increase when stopping, read our article and benefit from our valuable information.
Causes of a Car Overheating When Idling
There are multiple reasons why a car may overheat when idling, depending on the type of car and the specific issue it is experiencing. However, in all cases, it requires maintenance to identify the source of the problem and how to fix it. Do not hesitate to visit car maintenance centers and perform a comprehensive inspection. In the meantime, we encourage you to discover the causes of a car overheating in different situations, whether it’s moving or idling.
Here, we provide you with a list of reasons for the engine overheating when idling:
Low engine oil
Car oil, or engine oil, helps lubricate the internal moving parts of the engine and reduce friction between metal components, making the car engine efficient and durable. However, if the oil level is low and the issue is ignored for long periods of time, the engine will start to deteriorate, and as a result, its temperature will increase. Additionally, oil helps cool down the heat and keep it at a moderate level due to its density and viscosity. Therefore, low engine oil is one of the most important causes of a car overheating when idling. Do not delay in changing the car oil or ignore the oil canister warning on the control screen. Engine overheating is one of the negative effects of delaying the engine oil change, so it is important to adhere to the oil change schedule.
Malfunction in the car’s cooling system.
The malfunction of the radiator in the car is one of the main reasons for the car’s high temperature during idle because the radiator works to move the coolant from the pump to the engine in a circular motion to reduce its temperature. If any part of the car’s cooling system fails, it will definitely negatively affect the engine and cause an unexpected increase in temperature.
In some cases, there may not be any problem with the cooling system itself, but the control panel gives you signals to fill the coolant or add water to the car. This is very important because the coolant reduces the engine temperature and keeps it within the normal range even when driving at high speeds.
If you are looking for reasons for your car overheating while idle, it could be due to the cooling system or low coolant levels depending on the type of engine cooling system, especially if the oil indicators are good and don’t require a change or replacement.
A malfunction in the radiator fan of the car
A malfunctioning engine cooling fan may be one of the reasons for a car overheating when idling, as it is a crucial part of the cooling system and works to cool the engine at all speeds, high and low. It’s worth noting that the cooling process works better when the car is in motion compared to the reduced cooling efficiency when the car is stationary, but the fan works to improve the car’s cooling efficiency and keeps the engine temperature within normal levels even when it’s not moving.
A malfunction in the car’s thermostat
The thermostat plays a crucial role in cooling the car and maintaining a moderate temperature when the vehicle is running or stationary for long periods. If the thermostat in your car is efficient, you will notice that the engine temperature stays within the normal and moderate range. However, if it malfunctions and you notice an increase in the car’s temperature, it is definitely one of the causes of the car’s overheating when idle, and you need to address any issues with the faulty thermostat in your car before things get worse.
A problem with the car’s operating system
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine, and they are essential to ensure the efficient operation of the car’s engine without the need to wait or try more than once to start the car. The age of the car also plays a role in its speed of starting and response, so we recommend checking the spark plugs as they can be a cause of the car’s overheating when idling, and if they are completely damaged, you should replace them with new ones to maintain the power of your car’s engine.
What should you do when your car’s engine temperature rises?
Regardless of the reasons for the car engine overheating while standing still, the correct action to take is to park the car in a safe place and turn off the engine immediately. Do not risk leaving the engine running as the results will be very bad for your car.
Wait for the engine to cool down completely before restarting the car, and check the oil level, coolant level, and whether there is any oil leakage on the ground. After identifying the cause of the problem, drive your car to the nearest maintenance center, and learn how to lower the car’s temperature in case of overheating.
Solutions to Avoid Engine Overheating in Cars

There are various reasons for a car’s engine to overheat while idle, but we have some solutions to avoid engine overheating that may help protect your car and avoid future problems:
- Regular maintenance and occasional inspection of the car should be adhered to.
- Check the oil level and the amount of water before hitting the road.
- Check the car’s water pump.
- Repair any malfunctions as soon as they occur and avoid delaying them.
- Monitor any disturbing noises coming from the car’s engine.
There are several measures that can be taken to prevent engine overheating in cars:
- Regular maintenance: Make sure to keep up with your car’s regular maintenance schedule, including oil changes and coolant flushes.
- Check the coolant level: Make sure the coolant level is at the appropriate level and that there are no leaks in the system.
- Check the radiator: Make sure the radiator is functioning properly and not clogged with debris.
- Avoid idling: If possible, avoid leaving your car idling for extended periods of time.
- Monitor engine temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard and respond accordingly if it starts to rise.
- Use air conditioning: Using your car’s air conditioning system can help keep the engine cool.
By following these tips, you can help prevent engine overheating and keep your car running smoothly.
We conclude our article on the causes of car engine overheating when idling and how to deal with high engine temperature to avoid further damage. For more informative articles, follow our website www.openymind.com and enjoy our diverse information.