My car overheats in hot temperatures I have try everything except replacing the water pump and radiator how can I tell when its time to change each one and is it a do-it-yourself job
Boomer is right in what to check first. but in this order. Check that the fan is working properly. Check that the radiator is clean and not clogged. Replace the thermostat. Replace the Water pump. Depending on the car/truck, is what dictates how hard it is to do. On older cars (a chevy 350) It takes 15 minutes for a novice to replace, On newer cars it varies greatly, as some are behind the timing belt and all other accesories,(plymouth breeze takes about 15hours for a novice) and some are just as easy as older cars.
Generally you don't need to replace a radiator unless water is running out of it. As for the water pump, if it was going bad your car would overheat when it was parked and running. Also it really isn't a do it yourself project, that is something you are better off paying a mechanic to do.
Water pumps are very simple. They only fail if 1) They spring a leak, 2) Their bearing freezes up, or 3) Their drive belt breaks or slips. I'd suspect the thermostat first, a clogged radiator second, or a bad electric fan or relay. They are easy to replace on most pre-1960's cars, and a complete hassle on many newer models. Good luck with the project.
