In the Red (Why a Vehicle Overheats)
January 18, 2026
Heat is one thing that can damage a vehicle, especially if a problem isn’t taken care of soon. Be on the lookout for signs that it’s getting too hot in some parts of your vehicle, starting with the most obvious one: the heat gauge/warning light on your instrument panel.
When you see that heat gauge heading into the H zone or the warning light comes on, it’s often because your engine’s coolant is contaminated or running low. It’s important to let a pro look at it soon before serious damage is done,
The radiator is another trouble spot that can cause overheating. It has a fan that needs to run properly, and it needs to be free of debris and dirt. Another radiator trouble spot is the core. When it gets clogged and coolant isn’t circulating as it should, an overheated engine can be the result. Have your cooling system checked regularly, including its thermostat.
Your water pump is another part of the cooling system that can wear out, and when it’s not working right, your engine can get hot quickly. It should also be on the list of regularly checked engine components.
Finally, your vehicle has several rubber belts and hoses that play vital roles in making sure the coolant is getting where it needs to be. It’s important to have those inspected by a technician before they fail and heat starts to build up.
Your vehicle’s cooling system is complex and critical to its operation. Plus, it must be maintained so it does what a vehicle’s engineers designed it to do. When it comes to your vehicle, cool is cool, hot is not.
Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston
2017 E. Malone
Sikeston, Missouri 63801
573-472-1139
http://www.charliesfastlubesikeston.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston

Ball Joint Replacement
March 8, 2026
Think about this the next time youre driving. Your front wheels can steer your vehicle and, at the same time, the wheels can move, even with all the irregularities in the road moving them up, down and in different directions. Pretty amazing engineering, wouldnt you say? What allows that are part... More

Steering You Right (Tie Rod End Replacement)
March 1, 2026
For drivers, S stands for safety. And there are three other words that start with S that are all equally important: starting, stopping and steering. For your vehicle to be at its safest, all three functions must be in top shape. Steering is one of those things we take for granted. After all, y... More

Before You Buy a Used Vehicle (Car Inspection before Buying a Used Vehicle)
February 22, 2026
Before You Buy a Used Vehicle (Car Inspection before Buying a Used Vehicle) Perhaps this sounds familiar. Your vehicle seems like its been around forever, and youve decided its time to move on. But when you check the price of new vehicles, the sky-high price tags have you considering a nice, pre... More
