How to Read the Temperature Gauge in a Car?
2 Answers
Methods to check the car temperature gauge: 1. The water temperature ranges from C to H; 2. When the pointer points to C, it indicates a temperature of 60 degrees; 3. When the pointer points to the red H mark, it indicates a temperature of 110 degrees. The sensor of the temperature gauge is a thermistor-type sensor, which is fixed with threads on the engine cooling water channel. The thermistor determines the current flowing through the coil winding of the temperature gauge, thereby driving the pointer to swing. In the past, tap water was used as the cooling water for car engines, but now many car engine cooling systems use specialized coolant, hence it is also called the coolant temperature gauge.
After driving for so many years, checking the temperature gauge has become second nature to me. It's a small needle gauge on the car's dashboard, usually located next to the speedometer and fuel gauge, displaying the engine coolant temperature. The middle position is normal, around 90 degrees or so, and it's safest when the needle stays steady in this range. If the needle leans towards the H side, it indicates engine overheating. In this case, you must immediately find a safe place to pull over and let the engine cool down, otherwise, it could damage the cylinder head or cause the radiator to burst. If it's too low in the C zone, it means the car has just started and hasn't warmed up yet—it should rise after driving for a while. During summer traffic jams or when using the air conditioning, the load increases, making the temperature more likely to rise, so I pay extra attention to the needle's movement. Additionally, regularly checking the coolant level and topping it off with antifreeze when low can prevent such issues. Ignoring the temperature gauge could lead to major repairs, costing both money and hassle, so I've made it a habit to glance at it quickly every time.
