I have a 2004 Kia Optima that I just paid off . However, as with every time I pay off a car something goes wrong.
My can started running warm while sitting and idling at a drive thru - normally it runs and stays right below the 1/2 way mark. It was up right where the red begins. I turned on my heat and it soon began to drop. It has done this twice but doesn't run hot going down the road. My coolant was a little low but now it's full and still doing it. What can it be? I noticed that there are 2 fans both run when the AC is on and when the AC is off only 1 kicks on when it gets a certain temperature. However. I guess that is neither here nor there since my AC was running when my car ran hot so both fans were running at that time. Does anyone know what this could be?
I appreciate any tips out there - I'm a single mom on a limited resources and don't want to get taken advantage of with several uneeded repairs.

Thanks!!

How low was the coolant and has that ever been low before?

At the moment it seems as the radiator is not adequate to cool the engine by itself. Leaves, other debris, in need of cooling system flush and pressure check cooling system for now. Do NOT let it overheat if at all possible,

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

Your cooling system is starting to become plugged try and flush outside of radiator to remove debris. If that doesn't work i would check on repair or replacemant costs

Thanks Tom. Well, I filled up the resevoir. I had a friend check it out and he put 1/2 gallon directly in the radiator on Sunday. It hasn't done it since but I also have not sat anywhere idling.... We'll see. I don't understand how it was so low - I haven't seen a leak. Well - I'm going to watch it and if I see it getting warm again I'll have a flush done.
Thanks for the help!!
Take care!

Yes - watch this daily or more! Cars do not normally consume coolant so there's a leak somewhere - perhaps a head gasket that you didn't want me to say if you don't see evidence

Carry some pre-mixed coolant with you and learn how to add AND avoid getting burned. Opening a radiator when warm or hot can explode at you - use all caution! Feel (can be hot too) upper radiator hose as an indicator of how much pressure is in there before checking at the pressure cap. Hose may be too hot so use a towel or glove OR wait till it's totally cooled off if in doubt.

Nobody likes an expense coming and I suspect one is for this. Better to catch it early as with most things,

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/