Car over heats,but not really? Hard starting in am as well as after sitting long

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Car says STOP, Service..Does it as soon as I turn Key into ignition to on (not starting Car), heat works when car running, temp gauge pegged to max, no leaks seen..Temp guage never goes down, city, highway driving or at idle, not bubbling over either. Hoses appear warm, hard to reach the lower one. Also it is starting hard as well, but once started, is fine all day, as long as does not sit too long..like 3-4 hours before starting again..