Temp Gauge Increasing More Often!

ok guys. I came back from another trip last night, and when I got into town, my Temp gauge went wAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY up there. I'm wondering what it might be.
I'm leaning towards thermostat or the coolant.

How do I check these?
I know where the coolant thing is, but how do I check to see if it's on the level it's supposed to be.
I dont have any idea how to check a thermostat, or even what it is (I have a general idea, but.. thats it )


any help would be greatly appreciated.

ok, I will turn on the heater next time it happens (if it happens again, but it probably will :( ).

Also, why would the heater help cool down the engine?
Aren't you supposed to turn on the AC so that the cooling fans are forced to go on? (like I did)

to help keep it cool go to defrost turns on fans usually and you blow hot air

now as for the prob its maybe the plastic air piece missing from under the car if you do have water circulating

I doubt you have a problem.But you didnt say what temp it went to.
Mine has spiked a few times like this ,but mostly stays normal temp not a problem maybe.If you were on the freeway for awhile and got into town and got in some traffic.Thats when it has happened.
These guys have said some useful things totally agree. for god sake not the AC it puts more draw on the motor makes it have to work a little creating more heat to run the AC. The heater gives the coolant more area for the water to move away from the motor slows it,and while the heater is doing its job by transferring the heat in the coolant to the air helps disapate the heat more from the coolant.
It couldnt hurt to change the coolant if it has not been done...it's good for 5 yrs. they say.Maybe try some wetter with it. Those Manual fan switches are great for heading off these situations if you watch your guages periodically.Just pop it on when you want.
Check for water dripping out the bottom of water pump,and that air dam is important for cooling.

Turning on the a/c generally does cool it down because it turns on the radiator fans. Turning the heat on can help, too, but if you have plenty of coolant, you will get more cooling by turning on the a/c (even though it adds a little load to the engine). The radiator has a lot more surface area for heat dissipation than the heater core does and as long as there is air flowing across it, you should get some cooling effect.

Originally posted by Killerjello
while shoebox is right for the most part (he always is :) ) , just remember defrost and A/C turn on the A/C compressor, so basically you are putting a strain on the motor, and on some days it will make the motor even hotter.

As I see it, the strain on the engine is not nearly as great as what the cooling effect the fans will have. I know that on my car, any time I turn on the a/c when the temps are up, the engine immediately begins to cool off. Same thing on any late model GM car that I have had, regardless of engine. :)