Car symptom
Engine overheats
Overheating is a warning you must not ignore. Find the cause before it damages the engine.
Most likely causes
- Coolant loss or a leak
- Thermostat stuck closed
- Water pump failure
- Cooling fan not running
- Blocked radiator
Checks to run
- Check coolant level when cold
- Test the fan operation
- Feel both radiator hoses
- Pressure-test the system
Tools you may need
Infrared thermometer
Cooling pressure tester
Confirm before replacing. These are hypotheses to check — never buy parts on a guess. If the fault involves brakes, airbags or fuel under pressure, use a professional.
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FAQ
It depends on the cause. Some causes are cheap and quick; others (like a head gasket or seized caliper) need attention soon. Work through the checks in order and confirm before replacing parts.
Start with the free checks listed here. If they involve high voltage, fuel under pressure, airbags or brakes, let a professional handle it.
The interactive diagnostic asks targeted questions to narrow it down, and every cause must be confirmed with a measurement — never guess.