Why Is My Cadillac Overheating?
Your Cadillac's engine cooling system is one of the many components that allow your luxury Cadillac to provide the powerful performance the brand is renowned for.
The cooling system is tasked with maintaining the engine's operating temperature at an optimal level. Without this critical temperature control, your Cadillac's engine would very quickly overheat and be damaged.
In our article, we provide answers to questions like, "Why is my Cadillac overheating?" and share with you what actions are required when your car happens to overheat.
Possible Causes of Overheating
First, let's take a quick look at how the coolant system in your Cadillac works so you have a better understanding of how and why overheating of the coolant system can occur.
Your Cadillac's engine, like all gasoline or diesel engines, combusts fuel to produce power. The heat produced in the combustion process will very quickly destroy an engine if not controlled.
The coolant system uses a mixture of antifreeze and water that circulates through the closed cooling circuit, which simply transfers excessive heat from the engine block to the circulating coolant and then dissipates the heat through the radiator as cooling outside air passes through the radiator.
This transfer of heat effectively keeps the engine running at its optimal operating temperature.
Low Coolant Levels
Low coolant levels prevent proper heat absorption and dissipation, as explained above, leading to overheating and subsequent engine damage.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat in the coolant system regulates the flow to the radiator. On engine start-up, the thermostat closes the coolant flow to the radiator to allow for a quicker warm-up of the engine.
Once at the set operating temperature, the thermostat opens to allow coolant to be pumped through the radiator, providing sufficient cooling. It goes to say that a thermostat stuck closed will prevent the coolant from circulating and lead to overheating.
Broken Water Pump
The water pump in the coolant system is turned by a driven belt connected to the crankshaft pulley. If the water pump is broken or if the rubber belt snaps, coolant cannot circulate effectively.
Radiator Issues
A malfunctioning radiator fan will reduce airflow through the radiator and can prevent sufficient cooling.
Road debris, such as leaves or bugs, over time can block the passages of the radiator, restricting airflow through the radiator or the air intake vents, which will cause overheating.
Blocked Hoses
Antifreeze contains additives that inhibit rust and sludge formation in the radiator, radiator hoses, and the water pump housing.
If left unchecked and replaced, old antifreeze cannot effectively stop rust and sludge buildup, resulting in blocked hoses and subsequent insufficient circulation of coolant.
Signs of Overheating
If you're wondering "Why is my Cadillac overheating?", here are some easy-to-identify signs of overheating for drivers to look out for.
Temperature Gauge Readings
It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your vehicle's temperature gauge if fitted. If you see the needle going into the red zone, it's best to pull over immediately and investigate the issue.
Warning Lights
A dashboard warning light will alert the driver to an overheating problem. Certain Cadillac models feature specific warning lights that may be a thermometer symbol or a text message in the driver information center alerting the driver to an overheating condition.
Steam or Smoke from the Hood
Severe overheating may cause visible steam or smoke coming from under the hood, particularly from the engine block or from the radiator cap.
Immediate Actions to Take
To prevent any possible damage to your Cadillac's engine, follow the actions below immediately.
Pull Over Safely
When experiencing any of the shared warning signs of overheating, it is advisable to pull over off the road onto a safe location as soon as possible.
Turn Off the Engine
Your Cadillac's engine must be turned off and left to cool down for at least 20 minutes before attempting to check the engine bay to prevent possible injury from steam and smoke.
Check Coolant Levels
Allow the engine to cool off and then carefully go ahead and check the coolant level.
Add the recommended coolant if the coolant level is low before proceeding on your travels.
Preventative Measures
There is the old saying, "prevention is better than a cure," which is very apt when it comes to vehicle care. Following these will help you avoid wondering "Why is my Cadillac overheating?"
Regular checks of coolant levels are recommended, and always follow your specific Cadillac model's recommended maintenance schedule. Owners are advised to consult their owner's manual for more information regarding the scheduled maintenance and coolant change intervals.
Coolant should typically be changed every two to three years, or around 60,000 miles for older models.
Extreme driving conditions, such as hot climates or extreme cold or freezing temperatures, will necessitate more frequent coolant changes and coolant level checks.
When to Seek Professional Help
When you do happen to experience any of the signs of overheating and have gone through all the steps to check coolant levels and have topped up coolant levels, but your Cadillac continues to overheat, it's time to seek some professional help.
Maintaining your Cadillac to enjoy optimal engine performance relies on an efficiently operating coolant system. Checking fluid levels and performing top-ups are typically considered easy tasks, but any repairs beyond this require a visit to a trusted and competent workshop.
First prize will be to take your Cadillac to a certified Cadillac Service Center that offers all the benefits of their skilled services.
Repair Your Overheating Cadillac at Colonial Cadillac
If you are in a situation where you're wondering "Why is my Cadillac overheating?" Contact Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT. Cadillac Certified Service Centers employ certified technicians who are fully trained in Cadillac's latest technology and repair techniques to address any overheating problems.
Owners can have peace of mind knowing their vehicle will be repaired with OEM parts that are engineered and manufactured to meet strict factory standards, plus the repair will be covered by a warranty, assuring you of many more problem-free miles of travel.
