How Long Does It Take for the Engine Coolant Temperature to Rise After Starting the Car?
2 Answers
Generally, it takes about 15 minutes for the coolant temperature to rise. Here is some information about car coolant temperature: 1. The temperature of the engine coolant should not be too low; it is generally recommended to keep it above 90 degrees Celsius. 2. You should not drive immediately after starting the car because the idle speed is quite high when the engine is cold, and the lubrication is not yet optimal. Driving at this stage will inevitably increase the engine load and accelerate wear. 3. The correct approach is to let the vehicle warm up naturally at idle until the coolant temperature begins to rise, and then wait for the idle speed to return to normal levels before driving.
I've been driving for years, and the time it takes for the engine to warm up after starting is really hard to say. It usually depends on the weather and the condition of the car. Last winter, when I parked outside the garage overnight in sub-zero temperatures, it took about fifteen minutes after starting for the coolant temperature to reach around ninety degrees, which is the normal range. The needle on the gauge moved slowly during that time. In the hot summer, it might only take five minutes. If you're in a hurry to drive, don't just idle and wait. Start the car and drive at low speed; the coolant temperature will rise faster in two or three minutes because the engine is under load. Also, if the coolant temperature takes too long to rise or fluctuates significantly, it might be due to a faulty thermostat or insufficient antifreeze. It's recommended to stop and check. This is quite crucial. If you turn on the heater or drive at high speed before the coolant temperature is normal, the poor lubrication from the oil can damage the engine. Preventing issues early is better than saving money on repairs later.
