Overheating and water consumption?

SPECI4L0NE

MEMBER
2011 TOYOTA COROLLA
AUTOMATIC
300,000 MILES

My car is overheating so quickly, in addition it’s consuming so much water (I have to refill the water every 2 days), I don’t know what causes that? Maybe the radiator? Or the radiator fan? And how can I check what exactly the problem is?
Thank you.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

If you are using water, please keep in mind, it boils at 212F. In the summer, the engine runs at approximately 210, so if it is getting a little warmer, that can be a problem and engine coolant should be used.

Next, is there any evidence of a leak under the vehicle? Is there any white smoke from the exhaust?

You asked what could cause the overheating issue. It could be any of the things you mentioned. However, if you are using that much coolant, either there is an external leak, the head gasket is failing, or you are using water along with a faulty radiator cap, and it is evaporating.

As far as the cooling fans, when the engine temperature reaches approximately 215F, they should turn on. Also, if you are using the A/C, it should be on with the A/C.

I am going to attach two links I want you to look through to see if you are able to identify any of the things mentioned. Let me know if you do.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know what you find. Also, let me know as much as you can about what is happening. Also, and don't laugh, let me know if the heater works.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 9:07 PM

SPECI4L0NE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi,
Thank you for your reply.
About the water leaking, there is no evidence under my vehicle, and there is no white smoke either.
In addition, I check the heater and to my surprise it doesn’t produce any heat it works but is spread just air.
Again, thank you so much,
Deeb

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Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 3:09 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. We just need to get to the bottom of the issue.

If the heater isn't working, it is low on coolant, or something is preventing coolant flow. Did you check the engine oil to make sure it's not mixing in the engine?

If there are no visible leaks and it is using coolant, the next thing to do is pressure test the system. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Here is a link that explains how to pressure test the cooling system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Try this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 10:57 PM

SPECI4L0NE

MEMBER
3 POSTS
2011 TOYOTA COROLLA
AUTOMATIC
300,000 MILES

I want to ask about water filling in my car.
Right now, in the summer I refill my car every 5 days approximately.
Some friends advised me to fill instead of a regular water the water that the air condition (regular A/C in my house) produce, is there any differences between the water? What does it help?
Or what kind of water would you advise me to fill my tank?
Just to note that there is no leak in my car, I want to know if it’s ok to refill every 5 days.
Thank you so much.

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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 10:38 AM (Merged)

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The radiator or the cooling system should be filled with coolant/water mix. Not just water.
Just adding water will evaporate and you will have to add it more often.
As long as there is no leak or you are not experiencing overheating, you can fill as often you need to.
Also using the condensation water from the A/C won't make any difference.

Take a look at this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cooling-system

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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