Haven't had a problem with my car overheating until I went on a 10 hr trip from el paso to vegas. Car was running perfectly fine on the whole trip until I actually got to vegas then once I started hitting traffic it started overheating. I replaced the thermostat thinking it was that but still the same problem. Also.I drove around on the freeway for an hour to see if it would heat up but it doesn't. Only overheats when I'm stuck in traffic for longer than like 10 minutes. So yeah. Help would be greaatly appreciated!

 

Does the radiator fan run when the engine gets hot?

 

it's because vegas is freaking hot dude. I used to live there, 120*+ outside.

 

Yet most cars in Vegas don't overheat.

 

true.

but still, it is hot as ***** there.

 

Absolutely. I recently spent a few days in Lake Havasu visiting my sister. I now feel like Houston is a cool place.

 

I lived in vegas for 10 years.

People actually die from the heat there. esp older people.



anyway @ OP. make sure your radiator fan is kicking on, just turn your car on, pop the hood and let it warm up and see if the fan comes on.

if it does and it still gets hot, Check your coolant level ( when cold )

 

Yeah my coolant levels good and I'm sure the fan does kick on. Wouldn't it overheat on the freeway while I was driving it if the fan didn't kick on? It really is sporatically overheating though. Not just during the day when its hot as ***** , does it at night too. You think it might be my radiator going bad?

 

Double whether the fan is running when the engine gets hot.

 

Sounds like a fan or coolant flow problem.
You should start the car cold with the radiator cap off and let it run until operating temp is achieved (fan should come on - but keep an eye on your gauge as we are not sure about your fan). If the fan comes on then we can assume your fan works - at least intermittently. When you get to operating temp look (carefully lest hot coolant scorches your eyes from their socket) into the radiator neck and see if coolant is flowing at idle. Also inspect your radiator fins for damage, deterioration and blockage of airflow.

It may take 10+ minutes for your car to reach operating temp.
Also look for large air bubbles in the radiator neck that indicates a possible blown headgasket (a little minor foaming is ok).

 

When your driving 60mph on the highway how much air passes through the radiator? A lot. When your sitting still how much air passes through the radiator if your fan isn't on? None.
Make sure your fan is coming on dont just assume. Also you have two fans so make sure the one behind the radiator is coming on.

 

Okay ! Ill discount double check the fan kicking on and also do that radiator cap off suggestion as well. Thanks again for the help guys.