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Why won’t my car start after it overheated?
I’m afraid I messed up! My Honda Civic overheated, but I kept driving all the way to work because my boss is really strict. When I went to leave, the car wouldn’t start and I had to take three buses home. What happened when my car overheated?
Laura Salvas · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry you had such an awful day! It’s a shame your boss isn’t understanding, as driving an overheating car can cause significant damage. There are a few reasons your car might not start after overheating.
- Loss of coolant. Whether it just needs a top-up or there is a leak, if your car is lacking coolant, the level sensors in your car may shut off to protect the engine. Check your coolant levels and for any evidence of leaks.
- Blown head gasket. Because the cylinder head is made of aluminum, it can become deformed under high temperatures, compromisingthe car’s compressionin its cylinders. This can be an expensive repair.
If adding coolant does not help your
Honda Civic
start, it’s always possible the battery has drained
from trying to crank the engine too much. You can call an on-site mechanic to diagnose the problem or have your car towed
. Whether your car can be easily fixed or you have to replace it, the expense can be offset a little by saving money on
car insurance
. To save some stress, Jerry
will compare policies from top insurers and present you with the best and cheapest options. It all takes less than a minute, and the average Jerry
user saves $887 annually.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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