How Long Is It Normal for the Fan to Run After the Car Is Turned Off?
2 Answers
It is normal for the fan to run for one minute after the car is turned off. The reasons why the radiator fan continues to run after the car is turned off are as follows: Protecting the Engine: If the engine coolant temperature at the moment of parking is higher than the acceptable soaking temperature of the engine, the onboard computer will automatically calculate the fan's operating speed and duration, thereby controlling the fan's operation. The higher the engine temperature, the longer the fan will run after parking. When the engine coolant temperature drops below the soaking temperature, the fan turns off. This protects the engine and extends its service life. Preventing Car Spontaneous Combustion: In ordinary cars, the cooling system stops working after the engine is turned off, often causing the engine temperature to rise further after shutdown, leading to damage. Therefore, high-end cars now feature an automatic cooling function. The radiator's power is directly connected to the battery, so even after the engine is turned off, if the temperature remains high, the cooling fan will continue to operate for a period until the temperature cools down, preventing high temperatures from causing the car to spontaneously combust.
It's normal for the fan to keep running for a while after the car is turned off. I think it's fine if it operates for 1 to 5 minutes before stopping. This design is intended to dissipate residual engine heat and prevent excessive heat buildup in the engine compartment. Especially after driving on the highway or long trips in summer, it's quite common for the fan to run a few extra minutes. I often observe it lasting 1-3 minutes before quieting down. In hot environments, it might extend to 4 minutes, but rarely exceeds 5 minutes. Don't worry too much—it's the car's self-protection mechanism. However, if the fan runs for more than 10 minutes without stopping, the temperature control switch might be faulty or there could be insufficient coolant. Get it checked promptly to avoid overheating damage to components. I always listen after turning off the engine to confirm and address any abnormalities promptly—safety first.
