If your car overheats while sitting in traffic but cools down when you start driving, the problem may be a failing radiator fan, a low coolant level (coolant leak), a clogged radiator, a faulty thermostat, or poor coolant circulation. When your car is stopped or moving slowly, there is less airflow through the radiator, and as soon as you start moving faster, airflow and cooling increase. This problem often shows up during warm summer weather around Ann Arbor when the cooling system has to work harder.
Overheating of the cooling system can quickly and seriously damage the engine, and it is not a problem to ignore. One tip that will help cool an overheating engine is to turn off the air conditioning, minimize the use of vehicle accessories, and set the passenger compartment heater to maximum temperature and fan speed. It may be uncomfortable for the passengers, but it will allow you to get off the road and to an auto repair shop in an emergency without destroying the engine. Note: if the vehicle is steaming, do not run the engine or continue driving. Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop or wait until the engine is cool, and add coolant. DO NOT remove the radiator cap when the engine is warm. You can suffer serious burns from the escaping super-heated coolant!
Have Hoover Street Auto Repair inspect & repair the cooling system before engine damage occurs. Call 734-913-6272, make an online appointment, or visit the shop.