What is the normal temperature range for a car engine?
2 Answers
The normal operating temperature of a car engine while driving should be around 90℃. Here are the specific reasons for engine overheating: 1. Insufficient coolant: Coolant leakage or low coolant levels can cause the engine temperature to rise. In this case, check the coolant level and top it up to the appropriate level if necessary. Recheck after a few days to see if the level drops significantly, and locate any leaks if present. 2. Cooling fan malfunction: When the vehicle is running at high speeds, the heat generated cannot be transferred to the antifreeze in time, affecting heat dissipation and causing the antifreeze temperature to rise, leading to boiling over. 3. Water pump failure: Common water pump failures include seized bearings and damaged impellers. Seized bearings are relatively rare, while impeller damage often involves cracks or detachment from the pump shaft, slowing down the coolant circulation and potentially causing engine overheating. 4. Thermostat failure: The thermostat automatically adjusts the amount of water entering the radiator based on the coolant temperature, changing the water circulation range to regulate the cooling system's heat dissipation capacity and ensure the engine operates within the appropriate temperature range. If the thermostat fails, the car's cooling system may not perform a full circulation, leading to increased water temperature.
I've driven multiple car models and found that the normal operating temperature of a car engine is usually between 90 and 105 degrees, which is the golden range for efficient engine performance. Temperatures too high, like exceeding 120 degrees, pose significant risks—thickening lubricants and wearing out components. Too low, such as 60 degrees, leads to incomplete combustion, wasting fuel and increasing emissions. The needle on the dashboard's temperature gauge should stay in the middle; I always glance at it while driving to ensure safety. Don't ignore abnormal temperatures—once, I forgot about the coolant, causing the fan to malfunction, and the major repair cost me a fortune. Remember, regular maintenance of the cooling system is key, especially checking the radiator and fan during seasonal changes to avoid trouble. Driving habits also affect temperature; maintaining stability during highway cruising is easier, but city traffic can cause overheating—stay alert and address issues promptly. Sharing this knowledge helps everyone save money, avoid risks, and drive with peace of mind.
