Hi everyone!

So, a little while back, my 2004 Honda Civic's coolant hose-thingy exploded, due to my car mysteriously overheating. I had the radiator and thermostat replaced, and probably overfilled the coolant reservoir. Anyhow, my commute is 40 minutes, and I usually leave around 10 PM. Lately, the weather here in the Midwest has been averaging around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and my car has been inclined to overheat in the latter half of my 40-minute journey, particularly while idling at stoplights. I'm just wondering why this is, since the radiator and thermostat have been replaced and the coolant is full. I believe this must at least have something to do with the weather, since by the time I get back around 11 PM, my car's temperature doesn't get in the red. (The temperature outside is usually around 70-80 degrees by 11 PM.)

Any ideas as to why this overheating tendency seems to have become an integrated part of my car's personality? I would really appreciate any thoughts at all, since my knowledge of auto repair and maintenance could be exhausted in a half-inch baby board book. XD


Sincerely,
ForNarnia

 

Does your cooling fan come on when the car is idling... like when you are at a stoplight ? The process of overheating previously could have caused greater damage than you have hoped... and replacing the thermostat and radiator may NOT have solved all of your issues. The head gasket may be compromised. Check the cooling fan and fan switch first... this is an easier fix. If the cooling fan isn't working, the car will get hot when sitting still or moving at very low speeds.

 

Thanks for the reply, JRCivic1. Last night, per your advice, I started my Civic and popped open the hood. I identified two fans, and both of them were working. In this case, can it be assumed that the switch is fine? Maybe the head gasket is compromised.

Another possibility (in my mind) is that the fans only stop working after about 30 minutes of driving. Is this possible?