What is the normal operating temperature of coolant?
2 Answers
The normal operating temperature of coolant is between 80°C and 110°C. Coolant is used to regulate the engine temperature. If the temperature is too high, the engine cannot operate at its normal temperature, and moving parts may be damaged due to thermal expansion, disrupting normal clearances. Lubricating oil may also deteriorate or lose viscosity due to high temperatures, leading to parts seizing or increased wear. If the temperature is too low, the heat dissipation from combustion increases, resulting in higher working fluid performance and increased viscosity, which raises resistance to moving parts and reduces output power. The full name of coolant is antifreeze coolant, which refers to coolant with antifreeze properties. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine block during cold seasons. Antifreeze should be used year-round. As part of regular vehicle maintenance, engine antifreeze should be replaced every year.
I often talk about this topic when repairing cars. The normal operating temperature of coolant is usually between 90 and 105 degrees Celsius, because this is the optimal operating point for the engine, allowing for more complete fuel combustion and reduced emissions. If the temperature is too low, below 80 degrees, the engine may not operate properly, and emissions could increase; if it's too high, exceeding 110 degrees, the coolant may boil and fail, leading to engine overheating or even serious damage. The water temperature gauge on the car's dashboard displays this, with the needle in the middle position being ideal. However, there may be slight differences between different car models. For example, modern cars with turbocharging systems have stricter temperature control requirements, so it's necessary to refer to the user manual. Regularly checking the coolant level and quality is crucial. It prevents rust, freezing, and maintains system pressure. It's recommended to replace it every 20,000 kilometers or once a year to prevent problems.
