What is the normal temperature for a car's coolant?
2 Answers
The normal coolant temperature for a passenger car is between 80 to 90 degrees Celsius. The coolant temperature refers to the temperature of the antifreeze. Below is some relevant information about car coolant temperature: Function of antifreeze: The engine is filled with oil passages and coolant channels. The full name of antifreeze is antifreeze coolant, meaning it is a coolant with antifreeze properties. It prevents the coolant from freezing in cold winter conditions, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or damage the engine block or cylinder head. Method for replacing antifreeze: Open the vehicle's engine hood, and you can see the coolant reservoir in the upper right corner; open the antifreeze drain plug under the radiator to drain the old antifreeze; add new antifreeze, tighten the cap, and the antifreeze replacement is complete.
Having driven for so many years, monitoring the water temperature is second nature to me. The normal water temperature for a sedan usually stays between 90 and 105 degrees Celsius, with a normal range marked on the dashboard—typically, it's fine as long as the needle swings around the middle. If the temperature is too low, say below 80 degrees, the engine might not warm up sufficiently, leading to noticeably higher fuel consumption on highways, and in winter, the radiator could even freeze. On the other hand, if it's too high, it's a bigger issue—exceeding 110 degrees can cause the engine to overheat and steam, requiring immediate shutdown to check the coolant. Over my years of driving various old and new cars, I've found that unstable water temperature is often due to faulty sensors or stuck cooling fans, especially during hot weather and traffic jams. I recommend regularly checking the coolant's color and level, replacing the antifreeze every two years to avoid clogged pipes from impurities. Warming up the car for a few minutes before driving until the water temperature reaches the normal range can reduce wear and extend the engine's lifespan.
