Cooling
    critical urgency
    car
    truck
    rv

    Why Is My Car Overheating?

    Typical repair cost: $50–$2,500

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    Common Symptoms

    Temp gauge in red
    Steam from hood
    Sweet coolant smell
    Heater blowing cold
    Coolant warning light

    Most Likely Causes

    1

    Low coolant / leak

    Inspect for puddles, white smoke from exhaust, or oil contamination. Hose, radiator, water pump, or head-gasket leaks are common.

    2

    Stuck thermostat

    Cheap to replace; symptom is rapid temp climb then drop when it opens.

    3

    Failed water pump

    Weep hole drip or bearing whine; coolant won't circulate.

    4

    Bad radiator fan

    Car overheats at idle but cools at highway speed = fan or clutch fan is dead.

    5

    Blown head gasket

    Coolant in oil ("milkshake"), white sweet exhaust smoke, bubbles in radiator.

    How a Shop Diagnoses It

    1. 1.Pressure-test the cooling system at 16-18 PSI.
    2. 2.Block tester (chemical test) for combustion gases in coolant.
    3. 3.Infrared thermometer to confirm thermostat opens at spec temp.
    4. 4.Inspect radiator fins for blockage from bugs/debris.

    When to see a professional

    Pull over immediately if the gauge enters red — continued driving warps heads and cracks blocks. Tow it.

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    cooling
    passenger

    Parts pros use for this job

    • •Coolant / antifreeze
    • •Thermostat
    • •Radiator

    Tools pros use

    • •Coolant pressure tester
    • •Funnel kit
    • •Drain pan

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