The diesel Mazda CX-5 is a phenomenal car. This compact mid-sized SUV is currently a Kenyan middle-class darling, and on the street, you’ll be sure to spot one rolling down the road. The diesel variant comes with a lot of perks—it’s affordable, reliable, fuel-efficient, and torquey.
And while all cars are good while running perfectly, it’s not uncommon to experience issues even with new cars. But the nightmare begins when you notice your temperature gauge flying high and smoke bellowing underneath your bonnet. That’s the textbook example of an overheating engine.
There are a lot of conspiracies that the diesel Mazda CX-5 has overheating issues. That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are several reasons your vehicle could be overheating, and fortunately, in this post, we’ll look into what you need to do when that dreadful moment occurs.
Is the Mazda CX-5 Prone to Overheating?
If you are a Mazda CX-5 owner, getting stuck on the road mid-road trip due to overheating issues can be one of the most stressful things. Vehicle overheating is not a common occurrence today, especially with modern vehicles.
This is because they are fitted with several heat sensors and computer-controlled fans designed to keep your vehicle running cool regardless of the weather. However, overheating can still happen.
Why Is My Mazda CX-5 Engine Overheating?
There are several reasons why your diesel Mazda CX-5 engine might be overheating. The most common cause is an issue with your engine’s cooling system, which prevents heat from escaping the engine’s compartment during combustion.
The source of this issue could include a leak in the cooling system, a broken water pump, a faulty radiator fan, or a blocked cooling hose. Regardless of what might be causing the problem, an overheating engine isn’t something you want to ignore. If ignored, it could lead to a catastrophic engine failure that will need replacement.
What Should I Do When My Diesel CX-5 Engine Overheats?
When your engine overheats, one of the signs you’ll notice is steam coming from underneath the hood. You will also see the temperature gauge lingering in the red zone. Regardless of the scenario, it is essential to know what to do to prevent further damage.
- Don’t Rush to add Coolant or Water to Your Cooling System
The first thing that comes into our minds when the engine overheats is trying to reduce the temperatures. The best solution is to switch off the vehicle and wait for professional help. Don’t add any cooling liquid to your vehicle’s radiator; quickly introducing cold water into extremely hot conditions could lead to a reaction that could damage your engine. Also, pulling off the radiator cap while the engine has overheated is potentially harmful – the spluttering coolant can burn your skin.
- Turn on your heater
This might sound oddly counterintuitive; however, you must do so. Turning your heater on draws warmth from your engine and into the passenger cabin, reducing the strain on your engine cooling system. Depending on the circumstance, there might be enough to reverse the overheating. The best way to know this is working is when the warning sign goes off, and the temperature gauge is off the red zone.
- Pullover in a safe place
Pull over and shut off your engine. Let your vehicle’s engine cool for about 15 minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on the temperature gauge. It will move back to the normal range as the engine cools down. As your engine is cooling, make a point of reaching out to a professional mechanic to get an opinion on why your engine is overheating.
- As the engine cools open, the hood
It is essential to do this carefully. It is vital to give your car sufficient time before popping up the hood. As you pop up the hood, keep a safe distance, standing at a safe distance. Note that coming into contact with the steam produced by your overheating engine could lead to severe burns. If possible, release the hood without raising it. This gives the driver a chance to gauge how hot the steam is.
- Check and add coolant
If your coolant levels are low, this is an excellent time to top it off. This can help protect your engine from damage and prevent overheating until you can sort out the problem. It is important to note that adding coolant won’t help much if your hoses are blocked or if the source of your problems is a radiator leak, fan, or water pump issues. Make sure you are adding the coolant in the correct location. The coolant reservoir is generally made out of plastic, and you can check the levels below the reservoir cap.
- In case you need to continue driving
If your diesel Mazda CX-5 experienced overheating in the middle of nowhere, you should drive to a safe place and wait for assistance. Before driving off, make sure your engine has thoroughly cooled off. Use a rag when removing the radiator cap to protect your fingers. In a normal situation, the coolant is visible below the cap. However, if your engine is overheated, it will likely be depleted.
At this point, refill your radiator and reservoir with coolant. If you don’t have enough coolant, you can use water. This will lower your engine’s temperature. Ensure you keep a close eye on the engine temperature gauge once you get back on the road.
If you notice the indicator rising, pull over, wait for the engine to cool off, and refill your radiator with coolant or water. It is important to note that this is not a long-term solution but a temporary fix.
How do I Prevent My Mazda CX-5 From Overheating?
If you take care of your care, rarely will it let you down. The best way to take good care of your Mazda CX-5 and prevent overheating is to keep up with your scheduled maintenance check or service.
During your regular service, your mechanic can check your coolant levels and refill or flush if necessary. A rule of thumb is to check your vehicle fluids weekly, during car washes, or every fortnight.
