Q: Car overheating even after changing thermostat

asked by on May 18, 2016

My SUV has an overheating problem and the temperature gauge never goes under the halfway mark. The dealership has replaced just about everything possible, yet it is still overheating! We're talking about replacement of the thermostat, radiator cap, water pump, head gasket, and the list goes on and on! What can be causing this?

Radiator Replacement $353.55 - $1403.40 Get a Quote
Radiator Flush $201.32 - $237.92 Get a Quote
Car is overheating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. It is possible that the radiator needs to be replaced. Sometimes, flushing out the radiator will solve a problem like this, but when it doesn’t, replacing the radiator is necessary.

It may also be possible that your car is overheating because the engine block is warped near where the cylinder head and the engine block meet. I would suggest that you have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come to your home or business and do an inspection to pinpoint why your car is overheating.

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

Battery light is on durign acceleration or on bumpy roads
When the battery light comes on in vehicles it is due to the voltage falling below the required 12.6 volts. This voltage is required for all the vehicles' electrical systems to work properly. The most common causes of the battery...
Timing belt needs to be replaced
Your engine is an interference motor and will get damaged if the belt breaks. You can contact another mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, who can check and replace the timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-belt-replacement) for you.
Problems going to reverse on a T 150
The first thing you'd want to think about is: does it do it in reverse and drive? If it only does it in reverse, you either got a problem with the transmission or your differential, the rear differential. One of...
White smoke coming out from exhaust, what can that be?
Hello, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. White smoke from the exhaust can be caused by a few things. First off, keep in mind that white smoke coming from the tailpipe after a cold start can be...
Jerking when accelerating (after slowing down).
Hi there. From my experience with this vehicle the issue is almost always a failure in the throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-body-replacement). It is very common for the throttle body to have an intermittent failure and for it to run like this....
1999 Pontiac Grand AM runs rough and smells weird
Hello. An engine running rough at idle could be a vacuum leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak) creating the wrong fuel ratio for the engine to operate correctly. The smell is probably unburned fuel caused by the vacuum leak issue. The belt shredding could...
Pressurised fuel is leaking into the cab of my Vauxhall Combo Van
Hello. The smell (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/smell-in-the-car-inspection) is being caused by some form of leak being drawn into the vents. It may be related to an exhaust leak or a fuel leak. If it is truly fuel that is coming into the vents...
The car suddenly reduces speed and finally stops moving after driving for 30 minutes to an hour. The the radiator becomes very hot.
Hi there. It seems that the engine is overheating while you are driving. Check the cooling fans and see if they are working when the engine is hot. If the cooling fans are not working, then check the fan relay...
My truck is squeaking An it squeaks while it’s in park and drive and it has a new belt, idle pulley, ac pulley.
There are a number of other bearings, belts, and pulleys that may also produce a squealing sound (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loud-squealing-or-rattling-is-coming-from-engine-inspection) when they are worn, loose or potentially begin to fail. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2010 Dodge Viper
2010 2010 was the last production year for the Dodge Viper before it took an extended leave of absence from the automaker’s lineup. It would debut once more in 2013. The 2010 Dodge Viper is a two-seat roadster (convertible) and...
How to Prevent and Handle an Overheated Engine
An overheated engine can seize the motor completely. Learn how to prevent your engine from getting too hot and causing damage.
How to Buy a Good Quality Cooling/Radiator Fan Motor
Fans Fans are necessary to keep the components under your car’s hood from overheating. Excessive heat can cause warping, melting, and other damage, not to mention the additional energy suck. The radiator is one of the hottest parts in the...