Hello my 2000 Honda Civic has had a belt that has been squealing off and on for a while. Today, after starting my car and driving two miles down the road it overheated. The engine was hardly warm. The thermostat is working properly. Could a belt be the problem? Or should I check into something else?

 

My list of candidates ($ to $$$$):
Coolant level? (Burst radiator or heater hose could mean more $$$ problems if you didn't stop and shut the engine off.)
Radiator clogged up?
Water pump gave up the ghost?

 

Thank you. It was shut off right away. Upon opening the hood there was fluid sprayed inside the hood. How would I check water pump?

 

It's not the water pump.
Either a hose burst or there's a major crack in the radiator's top or bottom (plastic) end caps.

take care,
ChrisS