Your vehicle’s temperature gauge keeps track of the engine’s temperature and relays the information to you through your vehicle’s dashboard. When the engine’s temperature rises beyond its usual operating temperature, there’s likely something amiss. The high temperature might not hit the point where the engine is overheating, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong.
More often than not, if your vehicle’s temperature gauge shows that the engine is running hot, there’s likely something wrong with either a component in the cooling system, the temperature sensing system, or the engine itself.
The solution for these malfunctioning parts is usually to have them replaced at a trusted auto repair shop.
Your vehicle’s engine relies on cooling fans to distribute airflow across the radiator surface. If the fans fail or malfunction, then the air won’t flow as it should, which will in turn cause the engine to run at higher temperatures. A trusted mechanic can either replace the fan entirely or take a look at its control circuit for potential problems.
Your vehicle’s radiator is another component responsible for transferring heat away from its engine. The radiator does this using a series of coolant-filled tubes. These tubes run from the radiator to the engine and back. Hot coolant exits the engine, circulates through the radiator to cool, and returns to absorb more heat. If the radiator clogs up or fails, the engine won’t cool as quickly. A good auto repair shop can help clean the radiator or repair it as needed.
Your vehicle’s engine needs enough coolant to remain at the right temperatures. Engine coolant, which is a mix of antifreeze and water, serves to keep engine temperatures between 195 and 220 degrees. It also has rust inhibitors to protect the engine’s various moving parts.
If your vehicle’s running low on coolant or the coolant itself is old and less effective, the heat won’t be absorbed well. In addition, make sure you’re using the proper coolant for your vehicle. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you aren’t certain what coolant to use.
Keep an eye on your vehicle’s coolant levels, and in the case of a leak, have a trusted mechanic take a look at the engine’s coolant lines.
Low coolant levels can also lead to air entering the cooling system. A badly performed coolant flush or a blown head gasket can also lead to air in the cooling system. This air can hamper coolant flow, reducing the coolant’s effectiveness and causing an airlock inside the radiator.
A proper bleed and coolant refill is in order if you notice air in the cooling system.
As we’ve mentioned, the coolant in the engine’s cooling system runs from the engine to the radiator and back via a system of hoses. If any of these hoses are damaged, collapsed, or clogged, then the coolant won’t get where it needs to be. Leaking coolant will lead to a compromised engine cooling system, which can cause the engine to run hot.
Replace the hoses if you notice coolant leaking out of them.
A blown head gasket is often the result of coolant loss. It can also be caused by combustion gas leaking into the engine’s cooling system. Either way, the head gasket is meant to seal the engine’s combustion portion. It allows oil and coolant to circulate without spilling. If the head gasket is damaged, it can affect engine cooling.
Your vehicle’s water pump keeps the coolant moving between the radiator and the engine block. Damage to the water pump will mean that circulation either slows down or stops entirely. A slightly damaged water pump could be why your car is running hot but not overheating. A fully inoperative water pump won’t be able to pump coolant at all, and your engine will almost certainly overheat.
The thermostat regulates the coolant flow inside the vehicle’s radiator. It allows the engine to both reach its optimum temperature as soon as possible and maintain that temperature for the duration of the drive. If the thermostat gets stuck, it won’t be able to restrict coolant very well, which can cause the engine to operate at nonoptimal temperatures.
It’s entirely possible that the temperature gauge itself is to blame for the rising temperature readings. A faulty or inoperative temperature gauge won’t show a consistent or accurate reading. This issue isn’t as common as the others, so it’s likely one of the last ones you should check for.
There’s a needle component inside the temperature gauge that can break, leading to bad readings. It’s also sensitive to the radiator cap not being properly secured, so if all else fails, check that the cap is screwed on properly.
The temperature sensor takes the readings displayed by the temperature gauge. A faulty temperature sensor will relay incorrect information to the gauge, and the gauge will in turn give the driver incorrect readings.
If your vehicle’s temperature gauge is rising but the vehicle isn’t overheating, it’s possible that the engine is simply a little overworked. Towing heavy loads, climbing steep inclines, or carrying heavy cargo can all overwork the engine depending on its power and capabilities. Go a little easier on your vehicle and see if it helps lower the temperature on the gauge.
A bad temperature gauge will fluctuate and fail to show a stable temperature. It’s also possible the gauge will read high even if the engine isn’t running at a high temperature. The thermostat might be broken in that case. A broken thermostat will also cause the gauge to read lower engine temperatures than normal. If the temperature gauge in your car fluctuates, it likely needs repairs or replacement.
The temperature gauge is an excellent tool for keeping tabs on your vehicle’s engine temperature. It’ll help you know right away if anything is amiss. Even if the gauge is only showing a temperature increase, you’ll at least know that there might be an issue.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.