What is the normal coolant temperature when a car is running?
2 Answers
The normal operating temperature of coolant when a car is running is 90-95°C. Here are the reasons for excessively high coolant temperature: 1. Coolant leakage or insufficient coolant: Leakage in the cooling system can lead to insufficient antifreeze, which in turn causes the antifreeze temperature to rise. If the antifreeze level is found to be low, the first step should be to check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, promptly add the same type of antifreeze. Do not add tap water or a different type of antifreeze to avoid dilution or sedimentation, which could result in failure or malfunction. 2. Radiator fan failure: This can cause the heat generated by the car engine at high speeds to transfer to the antifreeze without timely dissipation, leading to an increase in antifreeze temperature and issues like "boiling over." While driving, it's essential to monitor the antifreeze temperature. If any abnormalities are detected, reduce speed and stop the car, but do not turn off the engine. Check whether the radiator fan or circulation water pump is malfunctioning.
I've been driving for decades, and the normal range for coolant temperature is generally between 85 to 105 degrees Celsius, with around 90 degrees being the most common ideal state. Last summer, I took my family on a long-distance trip, and the water temperature stayed steady at 92 degrees, with the engine running smoothly. However, there was one time when climbing a hill, it suddenly rose to 120 degrees, and the dashboard warning light came on—I immediately pulled over to check for coolant leaks. Remember, if the temperature is too low, it may affect fuel efficiency, while too high can cause engine overheating or even a blown head gasket. So, always keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge while driving, and maintaining it in the middle range is safest. Regularly cleaning the radiator during maintenance can also prevent issues.
