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There are several dials on a vehicle’s dashboard, including the temperature gauge. Monitoring this reading helps you avoid extreme temperatures and premature engine repair. Use this guide to learn about the temperature gauge and how you can prolong the car’s engine.

FAQ About Your Vehicle’s Temperature Gauge

Why does it read low?

The needle will hover at the bottom of the dial when the car starts, as it takes a few minutes for the coolant to reach its normal operating temperature. If the gauge remains low while driving, an engine repair specialist should check the thermostat for damage and operational issues.

Why does the gauge read high?

engine repairThe needle will hover toward the top of the gauge when the coolant warms, which occurs when the engine gets too hot. The car may overheat if there’s a radiator malfunction or leak in the cooling system. If the gauge reads high, turn on the heater fan to extract some heat from under the hood.

What happens if the coolant is too hot or cold?

Coolant overheats between 240 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, giving the temperature gauge a high reading. The car can overheat if the coolant gets too hot, so the dashboard warning light may illuminate. Driving with an overheating engine can cause the pistons to fuse to the cylinder—this issue will require a complete replacement.

If the coolant is below 195 degrees Fahrenheit, the cold temperature will thicken the lubricating oil. Thick fluid flows slowly and can pick up too many particles, increasing the risk of contamination.

How can I maintain a normal gauge reading?

The needle will hover in the center of the gauge when the coolant is in a normal temperature range. To maintain this reading, check that there’s enough fresh coolant running through the system and top off the reservoir as needed. You should also schedule annual auto inspections to ensure the drive belt is in good condition because it’s needed to circulate the coolant.

 

If the temperature gauge is suspiciously high or low, turn to the professionals at Quality Transmission Service in Anchorage, AK. These ASE®-certified technicians will perform diagnostic testing to find out why your engine is running cold or hot, then offer a solution to salvage the part. Get more information about their services online, or call (907) 561-8767 to schedule engine repair.

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