How many minutes does it take for the car's water temperature to rise?
3 Answers
The car's water temperature usually rises within about 10 minutes under normal circumstances. The time it takes for the water temperature to rise depends on the external environment. In winter when temperatures are low, it may take longer for the water temperature to rise, while in summer when temperatures are high, the water temperature will rise more quickly. Additional information: Below is an introduction to seasonal maintenance for the cooling system: 1. Visually inspect all parts of the water pump for any signs of leakage: If any leakage is found, identify the cause and resolve it immediately. Do not continue driving with the issue. 2. Check the freezing point of the antifreeze: Generally, the freezing point of the antifreeze should be 5 to 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in the area where the vehicle is driven. For example, for vehicles in Beijing, an antifreeze with a freezing point of -25 to -30°C will ensure safe operation during winter.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the time it takes for the engine temperature to rise really varies, especially in cold weather. On a cold morning, it might take 10 minutes to reach normal operating temperature, but in summer, just a few minutes are enough. I remember one winter when it was below freezing, I warmed up the car for 15 minutes and the temperature still didn't rise. After checking, I found the thermostat was stuck, and it improved a lot after being fixed. For daily driving, avoid sudden acceleration and wait until the temperature gauge reaches the middle position before driving normally—protecting the engine is crucial. Also, older cars might warm up slower, while newer cars with better cooling systems heat up faster. But if it takes too long to warm up, it's best to have it checked at a shop.
As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I believe the thermostat controls the rise in coolant temperature. During a cold start, it closes the small circulation loop to allow the coolant temperature to rise quickly, typically reaching around 90 degrees Celsius in 5-10 minutes. Environmental factors play a big role—on hot days it might take just 5 minutes, while in northern winters you may have to wait longer. Don't worry, during the warm-up period try to avoid using headlights to prevent draining the battery. Once operating temperature is reached, engine noise decreases and fuel consumption stabilizes. If there's no temperature response, it could indicate a faulty thermostat or insufficient coolant—check promptly to prevent overheating damage to components.
