Is it normal for a car's water temperature to reach 100 degrees in summer?
2 Answers
It is normal for a car's water temperature to reach 100 degrees in summer. Here is some information about car water temperature in summer: 1. Car water temperature: Normally around 90℃ when driving. Generally, the normal operating temperature for small cars is between 80°C and 105°C, but the usual water temperature is maintained around 90 degrees. Most small cars should not exceed 100 degrees for an extended period, with 105 degrees being the limit. 2. Engine: Operating within the normal temperature range. Cars are equipped with an engine coolant temperature sensor, usually displayed separately on the car's dashboard. If the antifreeze temperature is too high, an alarm will be triggered. Another possible reason for high water temperature is the use of low-quality antifreeze.
I think it's not normal for the water temperature to reach 100 degrees Celsius when driving in summer, as I've driven many cars where the ideal range on the temperature gauge is between 80 and 90 degrees. A reading of 100 degrees suggests there might be an issue with the cooling system, such as a clogged radiator or a faulty fan, especially during hot summer days when the engine is under heavy load and prone to overheating. Once, during a long-distance drive in high temperatures, my water temperature suddenly spiked to 100 degrees. I pulled over and found that insufficient coolant caused the overheating, nearly damaging the engine. If the water temperature rises too high, it's advisable to find a safe place to stop and let the car cool down before investigating the cause—don't push it. Regular vehicle maintenance checks, especially before the hot season, such as topping up coolant and cleaning the radiator, can effectively prevent such issues and ensure safe and reliable driving.
