Not Too Hot and Not Too Cold (Temperature Gauge)
April 3, 2022
You know your body temperature is supposed to be 98.6 degrees F, 37 degrees C. Your vehicle has a normal temperature, too, and if you pay attention to it, that can save you some big headaches down the road.
Many vehicles have a temperature gauge on the dash that takes the temperature of the engine's coolant. Some have a thermometer symbol, some read C-H (cold to hot). Many will have a red zone that shows when water temperature is getting into the danger zone. Others are digital and have a red warning light that signals overheating. And some vehicles have a light that goes on when the engine temperature is out of the normal range.
If your vehicle has a gauge, pay attention to it. If you need help locating it, ask one of our Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson experts to give you a quick explanation. Chances are when the vehicle has been running for 15 minutes or more, the temperature gauge will settle into its own "normal" zone, often just below the midway point. If you have a digital readout, remember what that "normal" temperature is. Here's why.
At any point when you're driving, the temperature gauge is the quickest way to get a sense that the engine is running the way it should, a quick health checkup, as it were. Say you're on a 3-hour trip, glance at that gauge every hour or so. It should always be in the same spot. If it starts to move one way or the other, you may be able to catch a problem before it gets serious.
Pay special attention to it moving into the hot zone. The needle on the gauge is the easiest and least distracting way to see an engine heating up, but on a digital gauge, start paying attention if the temperature reaches 240ºF/115ºC or more.
Remember, though, that just because the gauge reads "hot" doesn't mean your engine is on the verge of burning up. It could be a bad sensor and the engine will be at a normal temperature. But it also could be a failing water pump, coolant leak or thermostat. By pulling off the road and observing your engine, it will give you a pretty good idea if it's running hot or not.
If the gauge is too "cold," it could be a broken gauge or thermostat sticking open. Usually being in the cold range isn't as worrisome, but you should have it checked out since other systems may be affected.
Heat is one of a vehicle's worst enemies, especially when it comes from within. Know your vehicle's normal temperature and keep an eye on it.
Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson
664 S Rochester Rd
Clawson, Michigan 48017
248-589-0980
http://www.toptechautorepairclawson.com
Need Service?
More articles from Top Tech Auto Repair Clawson
Light Up your Life (Headlamp Replacement)
March 9, 2025
Did you know that having a burned out headlight can result in your rearview mirror reflecting some flashing lights? In other words, you might get pulled over by the police for only having one working headlight, because in most places it's against the law. Not only is it illegal to drive with one... More
Timing is Everything (Timing Cover Replacement)
March 2, 2025
Theres an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. Its called the timing cover. Its important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshaft... More
Some New Boots (Suspension Maintenance)
February 23, 2025
There are some boots that don't come in a shoe box and aren't worn on your feet. They are called axle or CV boots, and they can be important parts for many vehicles. That CV stands for constant velocity. CV axles are mainly used in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. They're also us... More