Why is my Maxima overheating?

[nastys13]

Okay so my sister goes out of town and asks me to stay at her place until she gets back because she has to small dogs that need watching. I agree and end up staying for two weeks at her place without driving my car at all (driving her Escalade). She gets back today so I decide to get back to driving my car. Well on the way to work I noticed that car was running hot! so I pull over and take a look inside the engine bay thinking a hose went out on me or something. After inspecting the hoses I come up with nothing visibly wrong and decide to continue on to work since I’m like only a couple of blocks away. Throughout the trip I notice that my temperature meter goes up and down depending on what the car is doing. While driving it shoots all the way up, but at idle it levels out to normal. Anybody know what’s going on? Can certain weather conditions affect the coolant in a car that’s been sitting for 2 weeks straight?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Car might simply be low on coolant.Or it could have a bad thermostat or water pump.Another possibility is a clogged radiator.

Easy way to tell if you have indeed lost a hose is to check the fluid level and watch under the car after it's been parked to see if any has leaked onto the ground.

I would start by making sure you have enough coolant. If it's old, change it. You might consider getting a coolant flush--this might also clean out any potential clogs depending on how bad they are.

[nastys13]

I guess the water in my radiator evaporated during those two weeks or something. I put some water in it at work and its been good ever since, thanks.