Here at Glenns Motorhomes, we want to make sure your motorhome remains in top working order for high performance and longevity. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of the main things to look out for if you suspect your motorhome’s engine may be overheating so you can deal with the problem as quickly as possible before it becomes a larger, more costly issue.

The first step is to isolate the problem

If you’ve been driving on a hot day with the air conditioning on, try turning the A/C off as it can put the engine under extra pressure, which may cause it to overheat. If the engine remains hot, try turning on the heater. This may sound counterintuitive, especially on a hot day, but it will help to carry hot air away from the engine block, which may cool it off somewhat.

If you’re still driving and the problem persists, it’s highly recommended that you pull over at the next safe spot to do so.

Check for steam

Any steam at all is a bad sign. Pop the hood – carefully, as everything will be very hot – and give the engine a few minutes to cool down.
The first thing you should check once you’re looking at the engine is your coolant. How are the levels? If they look normal, you probably have a faulty temperature gauge, which can be easily replaced. If that seems to be the issue, you can probably safely make it to the nearest garage, as long as you take care to pay attention for any other signs of overheating.

However, if the coolant levels are low or the reservoir is empty, you may have a more serious problem on your hands, such as a leak somewhere in the coolant or radiator systems.

The coolant system is often a culprit, and cooling system leaks, blocked passageways, or the wrong coolant concentration can often contribute to the problem. If you find that this seems to be the issue, having extra hoses, clamps, and the correct coolant for your particular motorhome’s engine on hand can be imperative to keeping your engine from irreparable damage.

A related issue may be in the radiator system; if the radiator is faulty in any way, such as leaking or experiencing clogs, or the radiator fan is broken then it may cause your engine to overheat. If this is the case, a mechanic may be a necessity.

Leaks in the coolant or radiator systems are often the result of worn out hoses. As mentioned, keeping these on hand can be very helpful in such cases.

Other possible causes of an overheating engine include:

• a loose or broken belt
• a faulty thermostat
• an incorrectly working water pump.

For these issues, it is recommended that you call a mechanic.

If you think your engine is overheating, you should not continue driving until you have assessed the situation with the guidelines listed above. Doing so may result in permanent damage to your motorhome’s engine or even causing an accident if the issue were to get worse while you were on the road.

A well-maintained engine can reduce the risk of overheating, but even the cleanest engine may at times face some issues. Knowing what to look for and how to mitigate the issue when it arises can help you save your engine from permanent damage.

Our expert team here at Glenns Motorhomes specialise in providing reliable motorhome servicing and repairs to ensure your vehicle’s back on the road in no time. Whatever the age, make or model, our mechanics have the knowledge and experience to carry thorough repairs at our fully equipped workshop. Simply get in contact today for further information.