Car almost overheating? What needs to be fixed?

The thermostat may be sticking or stuck. Start the engine while it is cold and locate the upper radiator hose. As the engine warms up, lightly grab the hose with one hand for a few seconds to see if it is getting warm. When the thermostat opens, the upper hose will be very warm to the touch (so be careful) and have pressure in. If you can grab the hose and squeeze it with little resistance while the engine is hot, the thermostat is faulty and should be replaced. It will be located where the upper hose sits on the engine side. There should be 2 or 3 bolts holding the housing on that need to be removed. BE SURE THE ENGINE IS COLD AND THE RADIATOR CAP IS OFF BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE BOLTS. Loosen the clamp on the hose at the radiator. Place a catch bin under the car because coolant will spill out when you remove the housing. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off if you have to but be gentle and careful. Gently remove the hose at the radiator and the housing will come out with it. Remove any gasket material from the the housing and block surfaces and clean them up with emery cloth. Pry out the thermostat. Take the new thermostat and drill a small hole in the flat surface on it. Remove any metal shavings and set the thermostat back in. Set the gasket in place and tighten the bolts very snug but don't over tighten them. Install the hose and housing. Fill the radiator with coolant then start the car with the radiator cap off. let it run while it warms up. Once the thermostat opens, have someone sit in the car and raise the rpm to 1800 to 2000rpm and hold it there while you top off the radiator and tighten the cap then test drive it. I suggest replacing the radiator cap with the thermostat. Parts and coolant should be no more than $30 to $40.