What Causes High Car Thermometer Readings?
2 Answers
Most cases of rising car temperatures are caused by water pipe leakage or insufficient coolant. Here are relevant explanations about high engine coolant temperature: 1. Insufficient Coolant: Prolonged water circulation during engine operation can gradually deplete the cooling system's coolant, resulting in radiator fluid shortage. If the owner fails to promptly inspect and replenish the coolant, this can easily lead to excessively high engine temperatures. 2. Cooling Fan Malfunction: Damaged cooling fans or short-circuited wiring may prevent proper fan operation or cause slow fan rotation. This inhibits heat dissipation from the engine, naturally leading to increased coolant temperatures.
Last summer when I was driving up the mountain, I suddenly encountered a situation where the temperature gauge spiked, and I was really panicked at the time. Later, I figured out that high coolant temperature is mostly due to issues with the cooling system. Problems like insufficient coolant, air trapped in the radiator forming an airlock, or not changing the antifreeze for a long time, which affects its freezing and boiling points, can all impact cooling. The fan is also crucial—if the electric fan's fuse blows or the belt slips, the fan won't spin. If the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, the coolant can only circulate within the engine and can't reach the main radiator. Once at the repair shop, the mechanic also reminded me to check the water pump—the plastic impeller can crack over time and fail to circulate the coolant. The scariest scenario is a blown head gasket, where high-temperature gases from the engine leak into the coolant passages, causing the temperature to shoot straight into the red zone. If you notice the temperature rising, don't push it—pull over, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool down before checking.
