Q: Overheating while idle

asked by on May 21, 2016

When I drive my car on the freeway, it doesn't overheat at all. However, when it's parked and running it overheats. It can just be 10 minutes and it'll zoom up. What's wrong with it?

My car has 181000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Gages won't move and car needs a jump to start.
Hi there: The problem with electrical issues is that without being there to diagnose the problem, it's hard to tell you exactly what's wrong. Some of the common reasons why your car won't start based on the symptoms you've described...
Where is the downstream O2 sensor located?
Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. The downstream O2 sensor is always mounted after the catalytic converter or on the back side of it. If you'd like some help wit this, consider YourMechanic, as one of...
Alternator is not working and the instrument lights are out.
If the charging system is not working, that is something that needs to be corrected first. Your car has a whole network of computer modules that will behave very strangely if the system voltage is not correct. Once you have...
Is there another car i can use bushings off of? Can't find my cars bushing for lower control arms 1999 Mitsubishi Diamante
Hi there - on this specific model, the bushing is pre-installed in the control arm by suppliers. For aluminum control arms (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-good-quality-control-arm-assembly) such as this one, it is generally not a good idea to field-repair the control arm. The act...
Lexus IS300 won't start after transmission and engine swap
There are countless reasons your engine might not run after a swap like this. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that an engine needs three things to run: spark, fuel and compression. Checking for each systematically will help...
Engine sputtering and manual gear-shifter is getting stiff.
Hi there. It's possible that the shifting issue could be related to the clutch, but that seems more like a gear linkage issue. The engine vibration is most likely not related; and could be caused by a damaged vacuum line...
Every time I start my car the first time I turn my wheel I hear a pop then no problem no more sound and steering seems to work fine.
Sounds like your have bad strut mounts and a broken spring with the spring popping in and out and then getting reset as the spring pops into place. Check the front springs and see if they are cracked or damaged....
I am buying a 2012 MB sprinter van with high mileage, it was previously a FedEx truck, what concerns prior to buying?
Believe it or not, fleet vehicles such as a delivery vehicle like this are typically well maintained. The last thing they want is a vehicle breakdown and delay package deliveries to their customers. Prior to a test drive, check the...
Neutral Safety Switch
It sounds like you may possibly have a bad neutral safety switch. Your vehicle has a neutral safety switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/neutral-safety-switch-replacement) that will prevent the vehicle from starting when it is in any gear position other than park or neutral. Occasionally,...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
While While the Chrysler Town & Country has been in production for over half a century, the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is anything but old-fashioned. The model got a huge overhaul in 2011 and saw a few new upgrades...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chrysler 300
The The Chrysler 300 is a large luxury sedan that looks great, handles well, and has more power than many realize. Chrysler was once one of the biggest automakers in the world, and with this vehicle, they showed that they...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Massage Therapist
If If you're a massage therapist, one of the cornerstones of your business has to be that you don’t keep your clients waiting. That means you need a vehicle that’s reliable. You also will have to move your gear, including...