What to do right now
- Turn off the A/C and turn the heater on high to pull heat from the engine.
- Pull over safely and shut off the engine.
- Don’t open a hot radiator cap.
- Call for help. Driving while overheating can damage the engine.
The usual suspects
- Coolant leaks from hoses, the radiator or the water pump
- A thermostat stuck closed
- A cooling fan or fan clutch that isn’t working
- A radiator clogged inside or blocked outside
Classics feel the heat too
Older cooling systems have less margin. A radiator that was fine years ago may not keep up in traffic on a hot day. Cooling systems are part of our classic car work.
Prevent it before it happens
Check your coolant level when the engine is cold, and look under the car for green, orange or pink drips. Hoses that feel soft, swollen or cracked are due for replacement. A temperature gauge that runs higher than usual is an early warning, not something to ignore.
Before a long drive or a hot stretch of weather, it’s worth having the cooling system inspected, especially on an older car.
What we check
We pressure test the cooling system to find leaks, then inspect the radiator, cap, water pump, thermostat, hoses, belts and fans. Once we know the cause, Rafael explains the repair and quotes before we work.
Serving Fullerton and nearby
Cedillo’s Classic & Auto Repair is a family-owned shop at 1010 W Commonwealth Ave in Fullerton, serving Fullerton, Anaheim, Placentia, Brea, Buena Park, La Habra, Yorba Linda and Orange. Owner Rafael Cedillo is an ASE Certified Master Technician with more than 25 years of experience.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my car overheat only in traffic?
That often points to the cooling fan or airflow through the radiator, since there’s little air moving at low speed.
Can low coolant cause overheating?
Yes, and low coolant usually means there’s a leak somewhere.
Related services
We make it easy to do business with us, with peace of mind and trust. Give us a try, and if it’s not something we can help with, we’ll point you in the right direction. Call or text (714) 681-0101, or send a service request online. We’re open Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Monday and Saturday by appointment.