What do the C and H on the car's temperature gauge mean?

2 Answers
DelPaul
07/29/25 1:53am
The C on the car's dashboard is the abbreviation of COOL in English, meaning cold, while H is the abbreviation of HOT, meaning heat. C and H are used to display the car's water temperature, known as the temperature gauge on the dashboard, reflecting the temperature of the coolant inside the car's engine. The temperature of the car engine's coolant should be maintained within the normal range. The red H on the temperature gauge indicates the water temperature is too high, the blue C indicates the water temperature is too low, and if the temperature gauge light is off, it means the water temperature is normal. When the car's engine is working, fuel combustion generates a large amount of heat. Some of this heat is expelled outside the car through the exhaust pipe, while some remains within the car's engine. Excessive heat can cause the engine temperature to rise too high, leading to engine expansion and damage. Therefore, coolant is needed to maintain the engine's normal temperature. Hazards of excessively high car water temperature: It can damage the vehicle's cooling system fan, cause the engine thermostat to fail, and damage the engine cylinder gasket. Engine oil may deteriorate prematurely, losing its lubricating function. When the vehicle's water temperature is too high, the vehicle should be turned off, and the antifreeze usage should be checked. Excessively high water temperature in motor vehicles can lead to malfunctions, and in severe cases, render the vehicle unusable. If the driver notices the vehicle's water temperature gradually rising during operation, the vehicle should be stopped immediately, and the engine cooling system should be inspected. After identifying the problem, appropriate repairs should be made, and the vehicle should only continue driving after confirming there are no issues. Effects of excessively low car water temperature: Increased fuel consumption. Low water temperature can impair gasoline atomization, leading to incomplete combustion, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and more carbon deposits. Impact on engine performance: The normal operating temperature of a car engine is generally around 90 degrees. Low water temperature can affect engine performance. Firstly, it affects the clearance between moving parts. Low water temperature causes less expansion of parts, resulting in excessive clearance and reduced power. The engine oil temperature also decreases, increasing viscosity and raising engine operating resistance, which affects power output.
Was this review help?
11
1
Share
Sauron
08/12/25 5:55am
Having driven for so many years, I've always taken the coolant temperature gauge seriously. The C and H on it stand for Cold and Hot respectively. When the engine starts, the needle usually points to the C end, indicating the coolant temperature is low and the engine hasn't warmed up yet. Don't rush to speed at this time because a cold engine experiences more wear. After driving some distance, the needle gradually moves to the middle zone, which is the optimal temperature range, approximately between 60-90°C. If unfortunately the needle approaches the H end, it's bad news - it means there's a cooling system issue, possibly due to a clogged radiator or insufficient coolant, which could lead to engine overheating, breakdown, or even severe damage. Last time I encountered this situation when the needle was almost touching H, I immediately stopped to check and found a leaking radiator. Adding coolant in time saved me from major repairs. Remember to regularly check the temperature gauge during daily driving to ensure it stays stable in the middle zone. Never neglect maintenance, such as checking coolant levels and radiator condition every six months. This is crucial for engine protection and can save you a lot on repair costs.
Was this review help?
10
2
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

How to Tell How Many Pistons a Brake Caliper Has

The method to determine how many pistons a brake caliper has is to look for the number of circular protrusions on the caliper. Each protrusion represents a piston, and the total number of pistons can be calculated by multiplying the number of protrusions on one side by two. Piston calipers are part of the automotive braking system and belong to a type of disc brake. The piston caliper is the device that pushes the friction pads against the brake disc. Generally, the number of piston calipers indicates the number of friction pads. More friction pads mean a larger friction area, and a larger friction area results in greater friction between the pads and the brake disc. It's important to note that pistons are equivalent to friction pads, so more pistons indicate better braking performance due to increased friction.
20
2
Share

How to Turn On the Ambient Lighting in a Land Rover Range Rover?

To activate the ambient lighting in a Land Rover Range Rover, start the vehicle and navigate to the 'Ambient Lighting' option on the central control screen. Tap to turn it on, and you'll have access to 10 selectable colors. As the name suggests, ambient lighting enhances the cabin atmosphere—it's not designed for illumination but rather to create a specific mood. Different lighting tones can evoke varied emotions for both drivers and passengers. The Land Rover Range Rover measures 4999mm in length, 2073mm in width, and 1835mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2922mm. It offers a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility, ensuring clear views from all corners. Both seats and steering wheel feature electric multi-directional adjustments, allowing significant posture variations to suit virtually any body type.
15
2
Share

How to adjust the time on the Accord dashboard?

The method to adjust the time on the Accord dashboard is: 1. Locate the sound button on the air conditioning control panel, press it, and the time on the dashboard will blink; 2. Press the 4 button to adjust the hour, and press the 5 button to adjust the minutes; 3. After adjusting to the correct time, press the sound button again to confirm. The Accord has a body length, width, and height of 4893mm, 1862mm, and 1449mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2830mm. Its body lines are clean and smooth, and the overall design combines stylish dynamism and dignified elegance. It features an LED high-mounted brake light commonly used in luxury models and an elegant triangular combination taillight, creating a simple and clear impression together with the unique wide license plate panel, exuding a sense of grandeur and stability.
7
5
Share

What is the lifespan of Volkswagen's 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission?

Volkswagen's 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission comes with an official warranty period of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers. Theoretically, it can last between 10 to 20 years. Below is a detailed introduction about automotive clutches: Overview: The automotive clutch is located within the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The output shaft of the clutch serves as the input shaft of the transmission. While driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine with the transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission. Principle: The driving and driven parts of the clutch utilize friction between contact surfaces, or use liquid as a transmission medium, or employ magnetic transmission (electromagnetic clutch) to transmit torque, allowing temporary separation and gradual engagement between the two parts, while also permitting mutual rotation during the transmission process.
8
4
Share

Can the BMW 3 Series Continue Driving with Coolant Warning?

It is not advisable to continue driving when the coolant warning light is on. Here is additional information: Continuing to drive may cause the engine temperature to rise further, potentially damaging the engine. To avoid unnecessary losses and ensure safety, it is best not to proceed with driving. Below are the reasons for coolant warnings: Overheating: If the coolant warning is due to high engine temperature, it is recommended to pull over, keep the engine idling, open the hood, and allow it to cool down until the temperature warning disappears. Low Coolant Level: If the warning is caused by insufficient coolant and no coolant is available for immediate replenishment, you can add an appropriate amount of purified water, preferably soft water (distilled water). Do not use tap water or other hard water, and avoid adding too much, as it may alter the coolant's boiling point.
2
5
Share

What does the gforce on the Mercedes dashboard mean?

The gforce on the Mercedes dashboard refers to acceleration or gravitational force. When accelerating, the center of gravity moves backward, causing the gforce center point to shift downward; when decelerating, the center of gravity moves forward, making the gforce center point shift upward. When the vehicle turns left or right, the center of gravity moves right or left, causing the gforce center point to shift right or left accordingly. The car dashboard is a device that reflects the working conditions of various vehicle systems. Common indicators include the fuel indicator, washer fluid indicator, electronic throttle indicator, front/rear fog light indicator, and warning lights. Dashboard lights mainly come in three colors: green, yellow, and red. Taking the Mercedes C200 as an example, its body dimensions are 4581mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1448mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2760mm. The vehicle features a stylish and luxurious appearance, with the new front fascia design appearing more dynamic.
4
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.