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How do I know if my Subaru is overheating?

If your Subaru is overheating, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your vehicle. Overheating can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a coolant leak, a faulty thermostat, or a problem with the cooling system. Here's how you can tell if your Subaru is overheating and what you can do about it.


Signs of Overheating


The most obvious sign of an overheating Subaru is the temperature gauge on your dashboard. If the needle is in the red or the temperature warning light is illuminated, your engine is likely overheating. Other signs of overheating include:



  • Steam or smoke coming from the engine

  • A loud ticking or knocking sound from the engine

  • A burning smell coming from the engine

  • The engine losing power or stalling


If you notice any of these signs, it's important to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as it's safe to do so. Continuing to drive an overheating Subaru can cause serious damage to the engine.


Causes of Overheating


There are several common causes of overheating in Subaru vehicles, including:



  • Low coolant levels: If your Subaru is low on coolant, it won't be able to effectively regulate the engine temperature.

  • Faulty thermostat: A stuck-open thermostat can prevent the engine from reaching the optimal operating temperature, causing it to overheat.

  • Radiator issues: A clogged or damaged radiator can prevent the engine from dissipating heat effectively.

  • Water pump failure: A malfunctioning water pump can prevent coolant from circulating properly, leading to overheating.

  • Leaks in the cooling system: Any leaks in the hoses, gaskets, or other components of the cooling system can cause coolant to escape, leading to overheating.


If you suspect one of these issues is causing your Subaru to overheat, it's important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.


Preventing Overheating


To help prevent your Subaru from overheating, it's important to maintain the cooling system and keep up with regular maintenance. This includes:



  • Regularly checking and topping up the coolant level

  • Replacing the coolant according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule

  • Inspecting the radiator, hoses, and other cooling system components for signs of wear or damage

  • Ensuring the water pump is functioning properly

  • Keeping the engine well-tuned and free of any issues that could contribute to overheating


By staying on top of your Subaru's cooling system maintenance, you can help prevent overheating and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

What are signs of overheating car?


Overheating Car Symptoms

  • The Temperature Light or Gauge. Each car will have a warning light or temperature gauge that will come on to tell you the temperature engine.
  • The Car Smells Hot.
  • Thumping Sounds.
  • Your Engine has a ticking sound.
  • Coolant is on the ground.
  • Steam is coming from the hood.
  • Reduced Engine Power.
  • Hot Hood.



Does Subaru have a temperature gauge?


there is no physical gauge. The blue temperature light that comes on in the morning when your engine is cold is the Gage. It will turn red if your engine ever gets hot and it will be red and blinking if it's extremely hot.



What is the first thing you check when a car is overheating?


Most vehicles will have a temperature gauge on the dashboard. Unfortunately, some think it's simply reflecting the exterior temperature, but it's actually showing how hot the engine is. Reading and checking your automobile's thermostat is essentially the first step to diagnosing an overheated engine.



What is the overheat symbol on a Subaru?


A solid RED illumination indicates that the engine is overheating. If the continuous red, or blinking red indicators appear, you should stop your vehicle immediately and have your vehicle inspected.



Are subarus prone to overheating?


Subaru vehicles have gained immense popularity among car enthusiasts for their reliability, performance, and versatility. However, like any other automobile, Subarus can encounter certain issues, with overheating being a common concern.



How do you know if your Subaru is overheating?


Steam or smoke emanating from the engine compartment is a visible sign of engine overheating. If you notice steam or smoke coming from under the hood, it is crucial to pull over safely and turn off the engine. Continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause severe damage.



Is there a warning light for overheating?


Red or Yellow – When the engine temperature warning light is red, it could mean your vehicle's coolant temperature is higher than normal. Driving should be stopped for at least 20 minutes. Blue – If the light is blue, your coolant's temperature is too low to work properly.



Can you find engine temperature on the dashboard?


Though your engine was designed to withstand the heat, overheating is still possible and can cause some damage. That's why your car's dashboard includes an engine temperature gauge and/or a warning light to help you monitor the engine's temperature and notify you when the temperature is out of the safe range.



How to check Subaru engine temperature?


All Subaru vehicles are fitted with a temperature gauge that monitors the state of the engine. When you switch on the vehicle, the temperature light will briefly light up and then go off if the system is working properly.



Are Subarus prone to overheating?


Subaru vehicles have gained immense popularity among car enthusiasts for their reliability, performance, and versatility. However, like any other automobile, Subarus can encounter certain issues, with overheating being a common concern.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.