Why Is My Car Overheating?

Overheating Car Engine


If you’re taking on your commute from Omaha to Beatrice and asking yourself, “Why is my car overheating?”, then you need a reliable service team to answer your questions. What causes a car to overheat? There are many reasons why a car would overheat, from a leak in the cooling system to a radiator issue. So, if you notice that your car is running hot, you’ll want to book an appointment with us right away. 

Every vehicle has its own “normal” temperature range, but most cars tend to sit between 195 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If you start your vehicle and notice that the temperature gauge is reading higher than normal, do notattempt to drive through Kearny. Driving a vehicle that’s overheating can lead to hazardous driving and expensive repairs. Review our service tips below to answer “Why is my car overheating?” and more!

What Does It Mean When Your Car Overheats?

What causes a car to overheat? As mentioned above, a car that’s running too hot is indicative of a larger issue that needs to be addressed. What does it mean when your car overheats? Review a few causes here:

  • There’s a leak in the cooling system – In many cases, a leak in your cooling system is the culprit behind an overheating vehicle. The radiator, hoses, water pump, head gasket, and thermostat housing are all parts of the cooling system that can end up leaking. 
  • There’s a problem with your coolant – Whether the wrong coolant was put in your car, or you have an improper coolant-to-water ratio (50/50 is proper), your vehicle is prone to overheating. 
  • There’s a blockage in the coolant hose – Another problem that can lead to a hot engine is a blockage in the coolant hose. There’s a range of ways that dirt and debris can enter the system. Once this hose is blocked, overheating will follow. 
  • There’s an issue with the radiator – A blockage, leak, or defective radiator fan can all cause an engine to overheat. 
  • Your car’s water pump is broken – Your water pump sends coolant throughout the cooling system. A shifted pump shaft or a leak in this system can cause overheating.

What to Do When a Car Overheats

Are you wondering what to do when a car overheats? If you’re already driving, turn off your AC, and run the heat at full blast. While this may be uncomfortable, it will help pull heat off your engine. Once you can safely pull over, do so, then wait at least 30 minutes before touching the hood. When your car’s overheating, your safest option is to call a tow service and have your vehicle hauled to a mechanic of your choice. You should not attempt to drive to the service center!

You Can Count on the Sid Dillon Nissan Service Department!

When you rely on Sid Dillon Nissan, you can take on the Lincoln streets with total confidence. From answering questions like “What does it mean when your car overheats?” to “What to do when a car overheats?”, we can help you handle your car care concerns. What’s more, we offer insight on how to jump-start your car and even how to unlock a steering wheel. Our goal is to make automotive ownership easy, so stop by when you’re wondering what causes a car to overheat!



Nissan Service Coupons

Tire Rotation and Balance*

$39.95

Rotate and balance 4 tires. Check and adjust tire pressure. Complimentary multi-point inspection.

*Certain restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Price and offer availability may vary by model. Taxes and fees additional. No cash value. Must present offer to redeem. May not be combined with other offers. Nissan vehicles only. Void where prohibited.

Expires: 12/13/2026

Nissan Value Advantage® Brake Service* - Express Service

$679.80

Includes installation of Nissan Value Advantage® Brake Pads and Rotors. Complimentary multi-point inspection. No appointment necessary.

*Excludes Brembo® Brakes. Certain restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Price and offer availability may vary by model. Taxes and fees additional. No cash value. Must present offer to redeem. May not be combined with other offers. Nissan vehicles only. Void where prohibited.

Expires: 12/13/2026

Conventional Oil & Filter Change* - Express Service

$5.00 OFF

Includes Genuine Nissan Oil Filter and up to 7 quarts of motor oil (per vehicle specification). Complimentary multi-point inspection. No appointment necessary.

*Excludes diesel models. Using Genuine Nissan Oil Filter and multi-grade oil up to vehicle specification. Certain restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Price and offer availability may vary by model. Taxes and fees additional. No cash value. Must present offer to redeem. May not be combined with other offers. Nissan vehicles only. Void where prohibited.

Expires: 12/13/2026

Complimentary Multi-Point Inspection*

Offer valid October 29 – November 15, 2026

*Available at participating Nissan dealers. Each dealer is independently operated. Availability of services or amenities may vary by dealer. Restrictions apply. Contact dealer for details.

Expires: 12/13/2026

Nissan Tire Price Match + 5% Credit*

Bring in an eligible competitor price and we’ll match it, plus give you back 5% of your original tire purchase price.* PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED. See your Service Advisor for additional details. Offer valid starting November 6, 2026.

*Eligible on select OEM, OEA, and WIN tires only when purchased from and installed by a participating Nissan dealer. Customer must present a printed or digital lower-priced quote on an identical tire dated within 30 days of purchase from a tire retailer and installer within 100 miles of dealership. Internet quotes are only valid for competitors with a physical retail sales and installation location within the 100-mile radius. Bonus, bundled, free or special offers; coupons, rebates, or promotions; clearance or closeout prices; used tires; ancillary parts; labor or other charges; typographical errors; competitor prices that result from a price match; quotes from other automotive dealerships; quotes located with Nissan dealer assistance; and internal repair orders are not eligible. Void where prohibited by law. Additional terms and restrictions may apply. See your dealer for full program details. Offer is subject to change at any time and/or is subject to termination without notice.

Expires: 12/13/2026

Buy 4, Get 1 FREE Oil & Filter Changes*

Protect Your Vehicle With Genuine Nissan Parts & Service. Restrictions apply. See terms & conditions.

*Buy 4, Get 1 Free Offer. Purchase a 5-Pack Prepaid Maintenance Agreement (PMA) and receive the fifth oil and filter replacement at no additional charge. Coverage expires after 30 months or 25,000 miles, whichever occurs first. No cash value. Taxes and dealer fees not included. Pricing subject to change based on market conditions. Nissan vehicles only. Other restrictions apply. READ THE 5-PACK PMA at https://nissan-securityplus.com/buy-4-get-1-free/ OR AT YOUR DEALER, AS ITS TERMS, CONDITIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND LIMITATIONS CONTROL. In Florida (License #60128), Missouri, North Dakota, Oregon and Vermont, Security+Plus is backed by Nissan Extended Services North America, Inc., P.O. Box 685004, Franklin, TN 37068-5004. Security+Plus® is a trademark of Nissan North America, Inc. Ends 01/04/2027.

Expires: 12/13/2026

Buy 3 Tires, Get the 4th for $1*

Offer valid November 16-30, 2026

*Buy 3 eligible Hankook tires, get the 4th for $1. Hankook OEM, OEA, WIN tires only. Must be installed by participating Nissan dealer by 12/07/2026. Taxes, installation, and other fees extra. Price and offer availability may vary by model. No cash value. May not be combined with other offers. Void where prohibited. Other restrictions apply. See participating dealer for full details. Ends 11/30/2026.

Expires: 12/13/2026

 

More from Sid Dillon Nissan

  • November Deals at Sid Dillon Nissan of Lincoln

    Find Your November Nissan Lease and Finance Specials in Lincoln It’s Door Buster Madness at Sid Dillon Nissan of Lincoln, and November is packed with opportunities to save on select new Nissan cars, trucks, and SUVs. Our latest promotions feature the 2026 Nissan Altima SV, 2027 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, 2027 Nissan Murano Platinum, and 2026…

  • 2026 Nissan Armada Vs. 2026 Chevy Suburban

    2026 Nissan Armada Vs. 2026 Chevy Suburban The Nissan Armada is one of the most sought-after SUVs in its class, but how does it look next to another familiar favorite, like the Chevy Suburban? Both SUVs are solid, family-friendly vehicles, but to help you decide, we compare the Nissan Armada against the Chevy Suburban below….

  • 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Vs. Hyundai Palisade

    2026 Nissan Pathfinder Vs. Hyundai Palisade Shopping for your next three-row SUV means weighing what matters most: capability, comfort, and everyday convenience. The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Hyundai Palisade are two popular options in the mid-size segment, but a closer look reveals some key differences that could steer your decision. Read this guide…

Get Directions

2627 Kendra Ln, Lincoln, NE, 68512
Sid Dillon Nissan 40.7364094, -96.6847531.