Honda civic radiator problem?
03 plate Civic; after driving 50 - 100 miles, temperature gauge goes dangerously high; have to stop, wait, top up the radiator. Does not lose fluid when just parked up.
Losing coolant only when hot is pretty common. If you don't see the leak it is definitely a job for a mechanic. A tip on looking for leaks: coolant is fluorescent, made that way by an additive put in just for that purpose. Harbor Freight, if you have one near you, sells a black light flashlight that works great for seeing the coolant residue at night. If you don't have a Harbor Freight nearby Amazon carries them as well - see the source.
In any case, don't let this get out of hand. Overheating can seriously damage the engine. It sounds like you are on top of it but be careful!
EDIT - one more thought… If the radiator has a flat spot where the brace passes over the top, look for a hairline crack on that flat spot. It flexes when the radiator pressurizes and eventually cracks. You would think JB Weld or similar would fix it but it will crack right through that. Epoxy a metal piece over it and it will break the epoxy. Replacing the radiator is the only practical fix when it cracks there.
Might need a new alternator, that's what it sounds like to me.
Get the system pressure tested. Find the leaking component. Replace the radiator cap.
Take it to a shop and have them check for a coolant leak. They'll stick a pressure tester on it and find whatever is leaking, let you know what it is, and replace it (or just do it yourself if you're up to the task).
Have the cooling system pressure tested if you can't figure out where the leak is.
I'd put a new thermostat in and then purge the air from the cooling system.
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