Question: Why is my car engine still hot after two hours?
Answer: Your car engine could stay warm for several hours after turning it off, especially if it’s hot outside. But if your engine is still hot—not just warm—after two hours, there’s a good chance it was overheating when you shut it down.
Cars might overheat for many reasons, but the most common culprits are:
- A leak in the cooling system
- A broken radiator fan
- A malfunctioning water pump
- Insufficient engine oil
- Thermostat failure
Whatever’s causing your car to overheat, you need to diagnose and fix it fast. An overheating engine can cause expensive—and permanent—damage.
Cooling system leak
A leak in the cooling system is one of the top reasons a car engine overheats.
The cooling system includes components like the radiator and water pump, which work together to keep your engine’s temperature in check, and which can develop leaks if not properly maintained.
Signs of a cooling system leak include:
- Puddles of coolant under your car
- Low coolant levels
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keeping your cooling system operational.
Broken radiator fan
The radiator fan is crucial for keeping your engine cool, especially when your car is idling or moving slowly.
Check for:
- The fan spinning only slowly while the engine is warm
- Obstructions or damage to the fan blades
Giving the radiator and radiator fan blades a quick clean to remove dirt and debris can help prevent your car from overheating.
Malfunctioning water pump
The water pump’s job is to move coolant through the engine.
Look out for:
- Coolant leaks from the front of the engine compartment
- A whining or squealing noise from the front of the engine
In some cases, a water pump will fail all at once, but in others, it can continue to function intermittently for quite a while. In other words, take any unusual noises from the water pump seriously, even if they come and go.
Insufficient engine oil
Engine oil not only lubricates the individual parts of the engine, keeping them cool—it also works like coolant on the engine itself.
Make sure to:
- Regularly check your oil level and top it up if necessary
- Watch for oil leaks
Oil changes help ensure that your engine stays well-lubricated and reduce wear and tear on its moving parts. They also help remove sludge and contaminants, keeping your engine clean and running efficiently.
Thermostat failure
The thermostat controls the flow of coolant. If it gets stuck in the closed position, coolant can’t reach the radiator, and the engine overheats.
Symptoms of a failing thermostat include:
- Overheating or overcooling
- Erratic temperature inside your car
If you suspect your thermostat is failing, have it tested, and replace it if necessary.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
