Understanding the engine temperature gauge is essential if you do not want to be at the receiving end of unnecessary complications. This temperature dial found on your vehicle is designed to answer the question: How hot is your engine running? Here’s how to make sense of its readings.
Too Hot
If the engine temperature gauge registers a high temperature, it could mean a variety of things. You might have coolant concerns. You might have an engine that is on the verge of overheating. You even might have a broken thermostat.
Do not ignore such a reading. What you can initially do is to treat it as a possible engine overheating. Take the usual measures to cool the car down as detailed below.
- Pull over to the side of the road.
- Shut off the air conditioning and open all windows.
- Turn off the engine and open the hood with care since the sheer heat may cause you harm.
- Allow the engine to cool at first before opening the radiator cap.
Once you have done all these things and you are able to get the car to start after it has cooled down, it is time to bring in the auto repair specialists. Let them diagnose the problem so they can find a way to fix it once and for all.
Too Cold
Apart from answering the question how hot is your engine running, you also must figure out its polar opposite. Part of understanding the engine temperature gauge is knowing when it registers a low reading. There are times, especially during winter, that the gauge shows low temperature.
Once the car warms up, it should go up to its regular setting. If the temperature remains at a low point even when the car is already moving, you might have thermostat problems. This is not as serious as an engine overheating. However, it is imperative to replace your thermostat so you can get accurate information regarding your engine’s temperature.
Just Right
What you really want to achieve is temperature on its normal range. The needle should consistently rest closest to the center and you would know this because it is signified by the letter C. If it goes farther below C that means it is too cool. If it goes farther up than C that means your engine is running too hot.
Understanding the engine temperature gauge is truly a must if you want your car running at optimum condition. Knowing the answer to the question how hot is your engine running will allow you to be proactive enough to save yourself from costly repair due to an engine overheating or other engine temperature-related concerns.
Written by the staff at KB Tire & Auto. KB Tire & Auto is the leading expert in auto repair Moberly MO has to offer.