Why does the car's water temperature fluctuate between rising and falling?
3 Answers
The reasons for the car's water temperature fluctuating between rising and falling are: 1. Damage to the thermostat in the engine cooling system; 2. The ambient temperature where the car is located is too low. Larger displacement engines heat up the water temperature faster, while smaller displacement engines heat up slower. If the water temperature exceeds 100 degrees, it indicates a problem with the vehicle's cooling system, and it is necessary to have it checked at a 4S shop. This also indicates that antifreeze will not have this issue. Leakage in the car's cooling system can lead to insufficient antifreeze, which in turn causes the antifreeze temperature to rise. If the antifreeze level is found to be low, the first step is to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the same type of antifreeze should be added promptly. Do not add tap water or other types of antifreeze to avoid dilution or sedimentation, which can lead to failure or malfunction. Drivers should always monitor the antifreeze temperature while driving. If an abnormality is detected, reduce speed and stop the car, but do not immediately turn off the engine. Check whether the cooling fan and circulation water pump are functioning properly.
I've been driving for twenty years and have encountered issues where the water temperature fluctuates between high and low. The main causes are a faulty or stuck thermostat, which is supposed to regulate coolant flow steadily but fails to open and close evenly when malfunctioning, leading to erratic temperatures. Insufficient coolant or air bubbles in the system are also culprits, as bubbles disrupt the cooling cycle and cause fluctuations. An aging or weak water pump can result in intermittent coolant flow, and a malfunctioning fan should not be overlooked, especially in traffic jams where it fails to cool the engine in time. I recommend first checking the reservoir level yourself to ensure there's enough coolant and that it's not cloudy, while also starting the engine to see if the fan kicks in as it should. Don't delay fixing this issue, as it can lead to engine overheating and severe damage. Take your car to a repair shop immediately for a comprehensive check of the thermostat and pressure conditions using professional equipment.
My old car used to have erratic water temperature fluctuations, which gave me a headache. Later, I found out it was due to a clogged radiator with accumulated dirt affecting the circulation. Common causes include coolant leaks leading to low fluid levels, a sluggish fan motor that fails to start promptly, or faulty sensors sending false signals that make the dashboard readings go haywire. Before every long trip, I make it a habit to check the entire system and top up some antifreeze to prevent aging. If the water temperature starts jumping around while driving, I slow down and find a safe place to pull over and let it cool down to avoid engine seizure. Long-term neglect can shorten the engine's lifespan, so addressing issues promptly is much more cost-effective than repairs later.
