Car Overheating — Causes and What to Do: The temperature gauge is climbing into the red. Most overheating is a cooling system problem — low coolant, stuck thermostat, dead
Pull over safely — continued driving risks serious damage.
The temperature gauge is climbing into the red. Most overheating is a cooling system problem — low coolant, stuck thermostat, dead fan, or failed water pump. The danger is a warped cylinder head or blown head gasket if you keep driving.
Top cause — find the leak.
Coolant can't circulate.
No circulation.
Overheats in traffic, fine on highway.
Restricted flow.
The serious one — coolant in oil or white smoke.
Typically $50–$2500
Thermostat typically $150–$400; water pump typically $400–$800; head gasket typically $1,500–$2,500. Estimates vary by vehicle. Costs are estimates and vary by vehicle, location, and shop.
The temperature gauge is climbing into the red. Most overheating is a cooling system problem — low coolant, stuck thermostat, dead fan, or failed water pump. The danger is a warped cylinder head or blown head gasket if you keep driving.
Pull over and shut it off. Driving an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head ($1,500+) in minutes. Let it cool 30+ minutes before even checking coolant — never open a hot radiator cap.
Typically $50–$2500. Thermostat typically $150–$400; water pump typically $400–$800; head gasket typically $1,500–$2,500. Estimates vary by vehicle.