Technical Temperature Gauge

[Craig100]

I'm just after a bit of advice;

I keep hearing that, when the engine is warm, the temperature gauge should sit half way, however on my car(Bravo 1.8HLX) the needle doesn't even get a quater of the way up, unless in heavy traffic where it can go halfway, or sitting stationary for too long.

Now, I do around 45-50 miles a day, mostly motorway's. I can get to my destination(after 20 or so miles) and the temp gauge still not even be a quater of the way up.

I have had the fans kicking in(when gauge >= 1/2 way), but am just curious to see if this is normal?

Thanks
Craig

 

[Stark]

At this time of year i'm seeing the same thing with mine, i wouldn't worry if i were you. As long as the idle speed drops to about 800 when she's been running for a little while then you have no problems mate.

 

[bajeknight]

My guess is that is normal especially if driving in open country where air passes throught the radiator more easily thus creating a better cooling effect.
In traffic the temperature gauge goes a bit higger and as soon as the radiator fan kicks in this causes more air to flow throught the radiator to improve cooling.

 

[Craig100]

Thanks guys thought i'd best check.

Craig

 

[jug]

mine is the same this time of year. temp gauge reads only 2nd notch off bottom unless i'm stuck in traffic for a while. its easy to assume your thermostat is stuck open but this time of year its normal. if you start the car ona cold winters morning it can take 45+ minutes for the cooling fan to come on, which can easily fool you into thinking something is wrong.