My car overheats after reaching normal operating temperature

Question

Yesterday I moved some boxes in my car to my new house, maybe 10 miles. It took 4 hours because I kept having to stop so the engine could cool down. I tested the car last night before coming to work this morning and it did the same last night as this morning once it was allowed to cool. It operates normal until it gets just about to the middle of the temp gauge (which I assume is normal operating temp). From there the temp rises quickly and within minutes is above the redline then I must stop. It takes about 20-30 mins to cool back to normal temp while being off. Idling does nothing to slow the increase. Any suggestions.

Answer 1

Check the following:

Coolant level

Any radiator leak

Water pump function

Water pump drive belt condition

Thermostat function

If you can check all this quite good. Otherwise take the car to a garage where they will be able to pin the problem.

Answer 2

thermostat stuck closed.

Answer 3

my car does the same thing, my fan that is supposed to cool down your engine doesn't work, i have the part to fix it just haven't had the time.  Anyway check your fan to see if it is working properly, if it is then check your thermostat if that is working alright then check the radiator.  You can take your car to any auto zone and they can do a diagnostic test on it for free.  Tell them what is going on, also when you drive it and it starts to over heat turn on the heat full blast it should bring the temp down so you can get to where you are trying to go.  If that does't work then it is probably your radiator.  Good luck and i hope this helps.

Answer 4

Major problem with the thermostat and/or radiator. Don't keep doing that to your car because if you over heat it enough it will crack your head and then you're fucked.

Answer 5

my friends toyota used to do that. she had to keep the blasting heat on in the summertime to keep it from overheating.boy was it hot in the car.cept i think she needed a new rad. not sure though. it was 15 years ago.

Answer 6

definently your thermostat. the thermostat keeps water inside your engine to help it warm up quickly and then it once its warmed up it lets water circulate through the system and radiator. the thermostat is an easy fix and cheap as well.