What's wrong with my car, won't start?

Question

I was driving and the car just started to slow down even though I was pushing on the gas. I slowed down and then it was fine again so I continued to drive it. Then I used the air conditioner and it said it was too hot. I turned the heated on but it was not blowing hot air. Then I pulled over to wait for it to cool down. It did not cool down so I went outside. It was acting normal , the coolant was not steaming or boiling or making funny noises so I went to the store and bought some coolant. I filled it up but it still said hot so I parked it for the afternoon. Then I went back and had to take it home. It was fine for a little bit and then said hot again. After driving for a long time (I lived far away) It lost power again and just slowed down. I pulled over and it was smoking or steaming or something. The car sounded fine but I was worried so I turned it off. We towed it home and now it will not start. It sounds like it wants to but it doesn't make it all the way.

Answer 1

Sounds like a cooling problem. No blowing of hot air usually means the heater matrix is not getting anything through it for some reason.

The fact the car will not start now is worrying as this could indicate permanent damage.

Would suggest you contact a local garage with a good reputation.

Answer 2

might be a thermostat.. it regulates the flow of water.. if you take it out and put it in boiling water it should open up.. (that is a test you can do) or it might be the raditor, the water pump.. it's the bit where the fan goes on, or the pipes.. maybe it's inside the engine it self the little holes that the water goes thought to cool down the engine

Answer 3

You'll need to take the car to a mechanic.  The problem has something to do with the cooling system -- could be a blown head gasket, a cracked heater core, or even a jammed thermostat.  Hopefully the engine didn't overheat to the point where it caused permanent damage.  Your best bet is to go to a local mom-and-pop mechanic with a good reputation.  They usually give free estimates.  Avoid the dealership at all costs -- they charge top-dollar and do crappy work.