What is the normal temperature of coolant?
2 Answers
The normal temperature of coolant is 90 degrees. After the vehicle starts, the antifreeze temperature rises rapidly. When the pointer reaches the central position, the heat exchange balances and the antifreeze temperature stops rising. Generally, it is best to start when the temperature reaches the middle position. Automotive coolant is used to cool the engine temperature. If the temperature is too high, the engine cannot operate at normal temperature. Coolant is antifreeze-functional coolant, which can prevent the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block when parked in cold seasons. However, it is necessary to correct a misunderstanding: antifreeze is not only for winter use but should be used all year round. In normal automotive maintenance, the engine antifreeze should be replaced every year.
Speaking of coolant temperature, as a car owner with over 20 years of driving experience, it should normally stabilize between 90 to 100 degrees during regular operation. If the small thermometer needle on the dashboard stays in the middle zone, it's fine. Occasionally, during summer heat or traffic jams, it might rise to 105 degrees without triggering the engine alarm. However, excessively high temperatures can be dangerous, potentially causing engine seizure or cylinder head gasket failure. Once on the highway during a traffic jam, my temperature gauge soared into the red zone. I immediately stopped to check and found the fan was stuck—nearly leading to a serious accident. That's why I always keep an eye on the temperature gauge while driving, especially ensuring the coolant is topped up before long trips to prevent low levels. Low temperatures during cold winter starts are normal, but it should return to around 90 degrees after warming up. Regular maintenance checks by a mechanic on the cooling system can prevent issues and even save some fuel. In short, 90-100 degrees is the ideal range—never take it lightly.
