Possibilities for what could be wrong with my car?

So yesterday my car started heating up while I was in traffic and I stopped to let it cool down and started again. I had to make about three stops to let it cool down, and the first time I checked and it has coolant and isn't low on oil, however an oil change should have been done about 3k miles ago, could that be the problem, or is it something else? 99 Honda Civic.

One of the requirements of getting a driver's license should be learning basic things about car maintenance. Dirty oil will not cause a car to overheat.

The reason it heats up is (a) its summer (b) there's not enough airflow in slow driving in traffic and (c) it is an old vehicle that probably hasn't had regular (yearly) maintenance of the cooling system. The engine and radiator are probably operating inefficiently from lack of regular flushing and coolant changes.

My guess is that at minimum a complete cooling system flush is required, and you may also need a new radiator. Also be sure the electric cooling fan is coming on when it should.

No, I would probably start with a new thermostat and a good flush first and see where that gets you. Also, do make sure the cooling fans are cycling.

Something is malfunctioning

It isn't related to the oil. Check the radiator fans to make sure they come on. If they don't, their relay is likely bad. Replace it. Cool again. First check all the fuses.

Lots of possibilities. Thermostat stuck shut, water pump bad, and not moving coolant through the system. Bottom radiator hose spring that holds it open is rusted away and the vacuum makes it collapse, air not moving through the radiator vanes (leaves of other debris blocking it), electric fans not working… Find out which.

It could be a number of things. A stuck thermostat, an electric fan that isn't working or temp sensor that isn't allowing it to kick on, or even a water pump that isn't working properly. If there's no apparent loss of water/antifreeze it has to be something with the coolant system given your oil level is okay.

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