Q: Car overheated on freeway

asked by on February 11, 2016

My car overheated on the freeway.

Car is overheating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. If the car will only overheat on the freeway and not anywhere else, I suspect you may have a common civic issue, which is a failing head gasket. Head gasket repair is generally pretty expensive. But there are other components that may cause the same overheating concern, such as a bad water pump or thermostat. I suggest checking these first before taking the expensive repair route. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the overheating issue and make the necessary repairs.

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

No lights on instrument panel
There is a 7.5 amp fuse under the hood for the instrument cluster lights. Check for power with the headlight switch on. There is a rheostat on the cluster itself. Turn it left or right to adjust the illumination. That...
Starter issue
The starter motor has a gear that comes into contact with the engine flywheel or flex plate and uses this connection to manually turn the engine over until it runs on its own. In many cases the starter can make...
Trunk not opening
If your trunk will not open, that may be a sign of a possible problem with the trunk's hydraulic pump, or perhaps an electrical problem elsewhere. Unless the problem is with the latch, you should still be able to open...
Instrument cluster, not starting, unknown driver
If you have a second key, try using that one and see if the same situation occurs. Also try moving the drivers seat to a different position. If the problem does not happen with the second key, then you have...
Remove camera message - 2013 Cadillac XTS
No, a continuous warning means the system must require some sort of service. The camera is very delicate and may have been bumped or moved in the process of the windshield replacement. Visit the local dealer to have the system...
How can I tell if my starter is going bad? 2008 BMW 528i
Hello - the slight delay in starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-starter-last) function (and engine shut-down as well on some) for the "auto start sequence" seems to include a slight delay for most model vehicles with this feature. Whether this is an intentional delay...
Transmission
For this 2004 year Mercury Mountaineer they were only equipped with a 5R55S transmission for the 4.0 and 4.6 liter motors. The only different transmissions would be for rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. They are both 5R55S base...
Got new water pump less than 9 months ago. Now boiling sound and overheating smell. Temp says its good
Hello. The overheating issue your vehicle is having is likely not caused by the water pump once again. Though an inspection of your water pump performance should be checked when trying to diagnose this issue. The temperature gauge not going...
what type of oil should I use for my 2017 Chrysler 200s
Your engine requires 0w20 oil. You should always follow the recommended oil that is printed on the oil cap of the engine and in the owner's operator manual.

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor)
Common signs include poor fuel economy, black smoke coming from the engine, engine overheating, and the Check Engine Light turning on.
How to Keep Your Car Running Well When It’s Hot Outside
Your Your car is affected considerably by the environment around it, including: Cold, freezing temperatures Dry, arid climates Hot temperatures and direct sunlight Precipitation in the form of rain or snow If your car is exposed to moisture all the...
How to Replace a Radiator Drain Cock
The radiator drain plug goes bad when the oil pressure is lower than normal, there is leaking coolant, or the Check Engine Light is on.