Q: My car starts to overheat in stop and go traffic until I turn on the heater. It then goes back to normal.
I added coolant and haven't noticed any leaks. I drive 60 miles round trip daily for work and it just started to have these overheating problems in the past few weeks. After turning the heater on full blast the temperature goes back to the normal range and everything seems fine again.
Recommended Services
| Cooling/Radiator Fan Motor Replacement | $135.68 - $1518.55 | Get a Quote |
| Radiator Flush | $201.32 - $237.92 | Get a Quote |
| Car is overheating Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
You may have a leak you have not seen if you had to add coolant. You should also not have to turn on the heater to full blast to cool the engine. This tells me you either have a cooling fan that is not working or a radiator that is clogged. I would suggest having a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to you to diagnose the overheating issue by first pressure testing it for leaks and then checking coolant quality and radiator for proper flow and fan operation.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
What type of spark plugs should I use?
Spark plugs might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to engine performance, but they should be close to the top of that list. They’re essential – without operable spark plugs, your engine has no way...
Belt came off
The most common cause of the belt coming off is the belt tensioner (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/drive-belt-tensioner-replacement) or idle pulley (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idler-pulley-replacement). They should be inspected before a new belt is installed. I recommend you seek a mechanic like the certified ones from YourMechanic...
Early shift issues in 2011 BMW 328I
BMWs unfortunately become endless money pits as they age, and within those cars, they have really high-tech transmission systems. The first thing you will need to do is have a mechanic scan the car and take it on the road...
The RPM's on my car are increasing more quickly than I am accelerating
Hi there. If the O/D light was blinking, then that typically means that the computer is seeing a transmission problem. It can be as simple as a speed sensor or as complicated as a serious internal transmission failure. This can...
Sudden Coolant Leak
The radiator tank is cracked and the radiator needs to be replaced. Replace the upper and lower radiator hose and the thermostat at the same time. They will save you more work in the near future. If you need to...
If it's my alternator how long would that take to replace?
The battery light can come on for a few different reasons in addition to a weak battery. I would suggest having the alternator tested (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-test-your-alternator_2). If this checks out fine and the is still on, also check the voltage regulator...
How much horsepower does my car have, and what is the correct tire pressure?
Hi there. According to the factory, your 2009 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.8L V-6 engine has 202 horsepower. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, assuming it's a Rubicon edition, would be 37 lbs of pressure on all four tires....
How long can I drive my car with the engine light on?
Hi there. It is no good to drive a vehicle with the engine light on. The engine light is on for a sensor has picked up something that is not functioning or operating correctly. Check the computer with a scanner...
Location for a map sensor for a 2008 Holden Viva
Hi there - the MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-manifold-absolute-pressure-sensor-map-sensor) is located midway, on the top of the straight, "tube-like" portion of the intake manifold. This "tube" sits above the "octopus-like" 4 air tubes into the engine. It is attached...
Related articles
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
When When it comes to performance, there’s no argument: the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the leader in its class. Fortunately, it brings a number of other amazing features to the table too. Key Features Speaking of performance, let’s start...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Lincoln MKX
As As far as midsize SUVs go, the 2012 Lincoln MKX is one of your best options out there. Considering its price, Lincoln packed this vehicle with a ton of power and luxury. Although it bears a strong resemblance to...
How to Add Radiator Fluid
The radiator is at the heart of your car’s cooling system. This system directs radiator fluid or coolant around the engine’s cylinder...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Cities
Estimates