Why is the engine temperature rising slowly?
3 Answers
Car engine temperature rises slowly due to: thermostat damage or the radiator fan running continuously. The thermostat operates based on the engine's coolant temperature. If the thermostat malfunctions and the valve fails to close, the coolant will continuously circulate in the large loop, potentially causing the engine's temperature to remain too low. The engine temperature refers to the temperature of the antifreeze, which is a coolant with antifreeze properties. It prevents the coolant from freezing in cold winter conditions, which could otherwise crack the radiator or damage the engine cylinder block or head. The method for replacing antifreeze is: 1. Open the vehicle's engine hood, and locate the coolant reservoir in the upper right corner; 2. Open the antifreeze drain plug under the radiator to drain the old antifreeze; 3. Add new antifreeze, tighten the cap, and the antifreeze replacement is complete.
Slow engine warm-up is quite common. I suspect the thermostat is stuck open—it should remain closed during cold starts to allow coolant to stay and heat up. If it's stuck open, the coolant circulates too quickly, preventing the engine from reaching optimal temperature. A malfunctioning cooling fan that runs constantly or a coolant leak leading to low levels could also be the culprit. This issue is more noticeable in cold weather, especially during winter. Ignoring it means the engine won’t warm up properly, leading to incomplete combustion, increased fuel consumption, and potential carbon buildup. The cabin heater may also underperform, reducing comfort. I recommend checking the thermostat and coolant level first—replacing a small component may solve it. Regularly monitor the temperature gauge while driving, and avoid prolonged low-temperature operation to protect the engine.
I once experienced slow engine warm-up in my own car, and the issue turned out to be the thermostat – it was supposed to stay closed to heat up the coolant, but remained open causing improper circulation. Sometimes the cooling fan would activate too early, or faulty sensors gave false low-temperature readings. Low coolant level could also exacerbate the problem. Slow warm-up keeps the engine from reaching optimal temperature, wasting fuel and leaving you freezing in winter without proper cabin heating. I remember last winter driving for ages with no warmth, until a thermostat replacement fixed it. Now I regularly check the coolant reservoir to ensure no leaks. Simple maintenance can prevent costly repairs – never compromise on safety.
