What is the normal temperature for coolant?
2 Answers
Coolant normally operates at around 90 degrees Celsius. Temperatures that are too high or too low can cause damage to the vehicle. Coolant serves to protect the engine's cooling system from rust and corrosion, effectively inhibits scale formation, prevents radiator overheating, reduces coolant evaporation, and provides lubrication for the water pump thermostat. The full name of coolant is antifreeze coolant, which prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding in cold seasons when the vehicle is parked, thereby avoiding cracking the radiator or freezing the engine cylinder block. Coolant is composed of water, antifreeze, and additives. It should be replaced every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers, and its location is in the coolant tank on the right side of the engine compartment.
I've been driving for most of my life and I'm particularly attentive to coolant temperature. Normally it fluctuates between 90 to 105 degrees Celsius, with the needle pointing to the middle position on the dashboard being ideal. If it gets too high, it indicates the engine is overheating—stop and check immediately, otherwise a warped cylinder head could cost over ten thousand to repair. If it's too low, fuel efficiency drops, wasting money and polluting the environment. Make it a habit to check: before starting a cold engine, pop the hood and ensure the coolant level in the reservoir is between the MAX and MIN lines. High temperatures are especially common in summer, so I check the coolant level every two weeks. Always use distilled water for topping up, never tap water, to prevent rust and corrosion. Developing this habit can extend your car's lifespan, save you from major repairs, and give you peace of mind on the road. Don't underestimate these details—small oversights can lead to big trouble.