Car Overheating Then Going Back To Normal (2023) – Flawless Car Guide

Have you ever been driving and experienced your car overheating then going back to normal? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This is actually a pretty common occurrence, especially with older cars. But what causes this intermittent overheating? And more importantly, what can be done to prevent car temp going up and down? In this blog post, we’ll explore why does my car overheat then cools down and offer some tips on how to fix it. Stay tuned!

Why Does My Car Overheat Then Cools Down (Common Causes):

The car temperature gauge is an important car part that helps drivers know when their car is overheating. 8 various reasons can cause the car engine to become hot one moment and then returns to normal the next. This can be dangerous as it can lead to the car intermittently overheating without the driver realizing it.

It can cause significant car temperature gauge rises and result in an expensive repair and replacement bill. In extreme cases, an overheated engine can cause the car to catch fire. For this reason, it is essential to take action if the car temperature gauge rises intermittently.

Low Coolant Level:

One of the most common causes of car overheating is low coolant levels. Coolant is vital for engine health, as it helps to regulate temperature and prevent overheating. When its level is low (may be due to coolant leakage), the engine temperature can go up and down, causing the car to overheat intermittently. If your car engine overheats more frequently, it’s important to check the coolant level and top it off if necessary.

In addition, if the coolant temperature is high, it won’t be able to dissipate the engine heat properly. Likewise, blockage of coolant passageways due to rust can also cause an overheating problem in internal parts.

Even then If you notice that your car overheats, it could be a sign that you’re using the wrong type of coolant. Different engine types require different coolants, so if you’re using the wrong one, it will become difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

If you’re not sure what type of coolant your engine needs, seek professional help or refer to your owner’s manual. Using the wrong type is a common mistake, but it’s one that can easily be avoided.

By keeping an eye on your vehicle temperature gauge rises and coolant temperature sensor, you can help prevent serious engine damage from overheating.

Bad Radiator:

The engine produces a lot of heat, and the radiator helps to dissipate that heat away from the engine by circulating coolant throughout the system. However, if the radiator is not working properly, it can cause the engine temperature sensor to fluctuate. This can be damaging and lead to expensive repairs.

There are a few reasons why a radiator might not be working properly. For example, it could be due to a leak in the system, a clog in the radiator, or even just a bad radiator fan. 

Water Pump Problems:

Another common problem that causes engine temp spikes then return normally is water pump problems. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the coolant passageways to keep it at the correct temperature. If it fails, the coolant will not be circulated properly and the engine will overheat.

This is a serious problem that should be fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could lead to significant engine damage.

Malfunctioning Thermostat:

One of the most commonly reported causes of engine overheating is thermostat troubles. The heating or cooling system will automatically turn on when the thermostat is turned down. The thermostat is a valve that regulates coolant flow to the engine and is controlled by the car’s computer.

A malfunctioning Thermostat can be extremely dangerous, as it puts strain on the engine and can cause it to seize up. If you notice that your car’s engine temperature gauge is fluctuating, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. If left unrepaired, a faulty thermostat can lead to engine damage.

Head Gasket Failure:

The head gasket is a seal that is located between the cylinder head and the engine block. The main function of the head gasket is to prevent oil, coolant, and combustion gases from leaking into the cylinders. Head gaskets are also responsible for sealing the compressed air/fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Head gasket failure is a very serious car repair issue. A blown head gasket can cause your engine to be damaged. It can cause oil and coolant to mix together, which can lead to the car temperature gauge hot then normal.

A blown head gasket can also cause loss of compression, which will reduce efficiency and fuel economy.  Head gasket failure is a very expensive car repair, so it is important to catch it early and fix it if it is damaged.

Belt Bummer:

Checked all the above-mentioned causes but still facing the car intermittently overheating. This may be happening because of a common phenomenon known as “belt bummer”.

There is an engine belt that operates the pump which then pushes the coolant through the engine to maintain temperature. When belt bummer happens, the belt couldn’t operate the pump timely which creates the scarcity of coolant in the engine which results in the car temp going up and down.

While belt bummer is not a serious problem, it can be a nuisance, especially if it happens often. If you suspect your ride is suffering from a belt bummer, the best course of action is to replace the tensioner with a new one and check the engine belt for wear. With a little TLC, you’ll have your car running like new in no time. 

Sensors Failure:

Sometimes the engine is absolutely fine but still, the meter shows the car temperature gauge hot then normal this is because of a faulty temperature sensor. A faulty temperature sensor will show you the wrong readings.

Although it is not a big issue, in some cases, this can lead to serious engine damage. If you suspect that your car’s sensor is failing, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so can help to prevent long-term damage to your car’s engine.

Heater Core Plugged:

Did you know that a plugged heater core could be the reason your car temperature gauge is hot then normal? Many owners experience car intermittently overheating, and they are often perplexed by the root cause. In order to understand why it causes the car engine to overheat and then go back to normal, it’s important to understand how the car’s cooling system works.

The car’s cooling system is made up of several parts, including the radiator, radiator fan, water pump, thermostat, and hoses for proper functioning. The radiator is responsible for dissipating heat from the engine, while the water pump circulates coolant through the engine block. The thermostat regulates the coolant flow and the hoses transport coolant to and from the radiator. Together, these parts work to keep a cold engine.

However, if any one of these parts malfunctions, it can cause the car temperature gauge rises. In particular, a plugged core can restrict the coolant flow, causing the engine to overheat. Once the car overheats, the thermostat will open and allow coolant to flow freely again.

As a result, car owners may notice that their car temperature gauge is hot then normal. If this happens intermittently, it’s likely due to a plugged core. If you think your heater core might be plugged, it’s best to take your car to an expert for a diagnostic test.

What To Do If Your Car Overheating Then Going Back To Normal?

If you notice that your car temp going up and down, it’s important to take action immediately to avoid serious damage to your car’s engine.

 Once you’ve identified and resolved the cause of the overheating, be sure to keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge and take action immediately if it starts to climb into the hot zone again.

 Here are the 5 quick actions that you can take to resolve the issue:

Perform A Vehicle Diagnostic Check:

If your car’s temperature gauge is reading hot and then going back to normal, it could be a sign that something is wrong under the hood. While this isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, it’s essential to have your car checked out by a professional as soon as possible to rule out any potential problems. 

One thing you can do is perform a vehicle diagnostic check. This will help you to identify any potential issues that could cause your engine to overheat. Once you know what the problem is, you can then take steps to fix it. This is identical to getting a basic check and may reveal some hidden or growing flaws.

Replace The Bad Radiator:

Get a new radiator right away if your vehicle is overheating and then cooling down normally because of a faulty one. This matters greatly because a car’s radiator is responsible for keeping the engine cool by circulating coolant throughout the engine block. 

 If the radiator is damaged, it won’t be able to properly circulate the coolant, causing the car to overheat. Replacing the radiator is typically the best solution for this problem. The overheating issue may be resolved by repairing or replacing the radiator.

Inspect The Coolant Leaks:

If you notice that your car temp going up and down, this is most likely due to a coolant leak. The first thing you should do is check for any leaks in the radiator, water pump, or hose connections. If you notice coolant on the ground where your car is parked, it’s important to have the problem checked out by a mechanic.

If there are no visible leaks, the next step is to check the level of the coolant. If the level is low, this can cause the car to overheat. You should also check for any deposits in the radiator that could be blocking the flow of coolant.

If you find any deposits, flush the radiator and refill it with fresh coolant. If your car is still overheating, it is necessary to check for the other prevalent culprits mentioned above.

Replace The Faulty Thermostat:

Replacing the faulty thermostat is another possible solution if you observe intermittent overheating. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the flow of coolant, and if it becomes stuck in the open position, coolant will continually flow through the engine without ever getting a chance to adequately cool it down. As a result, your car will intermittently overheat and may show white smoke as well.

Replacing the thermostat is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair, so it’s worth doing before any other more serious issues arise.

Turn On The Heater:

There are a few things you can do as a temporary measure. One is to turn on the car’s heating. This may seem counterintuitive, but by diverting the engine’s heat elsewhere, you can extend the life of your vehicle until you can get it to the mechanic.

However, this is only a stopgap measure until the source of the overheating is addressed. You can’t rely on this step as it is dangerous both for you and the engine.

FAQ:

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there are 8 causes that can lead to intermittent overheating of the engine. Although you may notice your car’s engine temp spikes then returns normal, there are simple ways to fix the issue before it leads to costly repairs.

By keeping an eye on your car’s temperature and ensuring proper coolant levels, you can avoid potential problems down the road.  If you notice any strange noises or leaks, be sure to have your car checked out as soon as possible. 

With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to seek the help of a professional. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Do you have any other tips for preventing engine overheating? Share them with us in the comments below!