What Causes Slow Engine Temperature Rise?
3 Answers
Slow engine temperature rise may be caused by a faulty temperature sensor. Related explanations are as follows: 1. During winter, slow temperature rise could be due to a stuck thermostat. A stuck thermostat can cause the engine to operate in an abnormal cycle, preventing rapid temperature increase. If the thermostat has been replaced before, the new thermostat might have a lower opening temperature, initiating the large circulation before the temperature rises sufficiently, which affects the warming process. 2. It could also be that the thermostat is continuously in large circulation mode, resulting in slower temperature rise. The performance of the thermostat also affects the speed of temperature increase. In a cold engine state, the small circulation through the heater core should take priority, and the large circulation should only open after the temperature has risen.
I always feel like the car's coolant temperature rises too slowly, and it must be the thermostat acting up. This thing often gets stuck in the open position, letting the coolant flow too fast, so the temperature can't climb. Low or leaking coolant is also a major cause, especially in cold weather, making it even harder for the temperature to rise. Another common issue: if the radiator fan keeps running non-stop, it also carries away too much heat. I've seen many cases when repairing cars myself—owners complain about the heater not working well in winter, all because of low coolant temperature. My advice is to first check the coolant level and see if the overflow tank's fluid level is normal. If that's fine, you should visit a repair shop to test the thermostat and fan sensor. Don’t delay too long—low coolant temperature not only wastes fuel but also increases engine carbon buildup, affecting the car’s lifespan. For regular maintenance, replace the coolant every two years.
My car's water temperature always rises sluggishly. Last time, the mechanic said it might be a faulty coolant temperature sensor sending incorrect signals to the computer, causing the fan to start working too early. There could also be leaks in the cooling system, such as aging hoses leaking water, making the circulation unstable. I've noticed this issue is more annoying in winter—it takes half an hour of driving before reaching normal temperature. The solution is simple: first, visually inspect the undercarriage for wet spots, which indicate a leak. For sensor issues, a diagnostic tool is needed to scan for error codes. Slow-rising water temperature not only affects driving comfort but also harms emissions, as the engine burns less efficiently at low temperatures. Regular drivers are advised to schedule minor maintenance periodically to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. If you can't fix it yourself, head to a professional shop promptly to avoid unnecessary expenses.
