This seems to be the time of year when "overheating" becomes an issue. In the winter people notice their heaters don't work -- or worse yet -- their tops leak...
In 20 years, overheating has rarely been an issue for me. I say rarely, because 95 percent of the time, my needle will not budge. Of course, our version of traffic here is a family of deer crossing the road.... However, one time my car did overheat -- and it was an eye-opener. I've related the story before but here is a synopsis: One warm sunday evening in 1991, while heading home to Santa Barbara from San Diego, needle started to rise. I noticed it, and pulled off the freeway and let it cool down, also added water. This was a Sunday mind you -- no shops, etc open. Also pre-cell phone. Anyway, back on the road -- still running hot. Kept stopping at gas stations, then about Ventura decided I had to go for it. Well, needle rose and rose and then even disappeared! 10 miles from home, the car just quit. A complete rebuild of the upper engine was next. Now I watch that needle like a hawk. In fact, it started to move a few years back -- I replaced radiator with a H/E. Has been steady ever since...
Moral of a very long story -- these cars can run normally much of the time -- but if needle moves, Passen Sie Auf! (pay attention!)
James
63 230SL