Why does the car's water temperature rise slowly?
2 Answers
Reasons for slow rise in car water temperature: 1. The thermostat is damaged and cannot close, causing the coolant to always circulate in the large loop, which quickly lowers the engine's water temperature; 2. The cooling fan is faulty and constantly running, leading to a rapid drop in water temperature; 3. Insufficient coolant. The solution for slow water temperature rise is: Check if there are issues with the cooling system, such as: whether the shutters are blocked, whether the fan blades are deformed, or whether the water temperature sensor and circuit are short-circuited. You can remove the thermostat and place it in water at different temperatures to observe its opening condition. If it cannot open and close normally, replace the thermostat.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered slow engine warm-up many times. It's usually a thermostat issue - when that thing gets stuck closed, coolant can't circulate, and the engine heats up slowly. It's more noticeable in winter when you're shivering in the car. It could also be insufficient coolant or a leak, so check the radiator fluid level. If the water pump fails and can't circulate the fluid, that'll also delay engine warm-up. I remember a few years ago my old car had trouble warming up, and it turned out the thermostat was rusted shut. Get it fixed promptly - when engine temperature stays too low, it causes faster engine wear and higher fuel consumption. Prolonged operation like this also makes the car feel sluggish with poor acceleration. I recommend regular coolant checks and changing it every 2-3 years to prevent this. Don't wait until the temperature gauge stops moving before taking action.
