why does my water temp gauge read 104 when cold

• 2023-08-16

When the water temperature gauge is cold, it should be the lowest temperature displayed by the sensor. It should be similar to the ambient temperature, around 30 degrees Celsius. When the car is hot, the engine water temperature is optimal at 90 ° C. So when my car is cold, there is a problem with my water temp gauge read 104 degrees. 

The temperature of the engine is usually sensed by the water temperature sensor, so it is often associated with the normal temperature and water temperature of the engine. Usually, the engine water temperature is optimal at 90 ° C, but the temperature of the engine varies under different working conditions. It may be around 85 ° C in a cold state, and over 100 ° C in a hot state. However, users often consider 90 ° C as the normal water temperature of the engine, which may fluctuate around 90 ° C during actual driving. 

The English alphabet C and H are generally marked on the automobile water temperature gauge, or the white and red areas are used to distinguish between them. C stands for cold and H stands for hot. If the water temperature gauge is close to H or the red danger area, and the water temperature alarm light is on in serious cases, it means that the engine coolant is too high. 

Pay attention to the reading of the water temperature gauge at all times during driving, and it is required that it should not exceed 90 ℃. In special circumstances, in order to enhance the convection of cooling air, the engine hood can be lifted to facilitate ventilation and heat dissipation. Generally speaking, after starting, the car can be driven. But remember: when the vehicle has not reached normal temperature, do not accelerate the throttle, try to maintain low speed, low engine speed, and stable speed. Idling a hot car at idle speed is actually not necessary, as idling the engine without load is not conducive to the lubrication of the engine lubrication system and also wastes fuel. Drive slowly on the road, shift to first and second gear, and wait until the water temperature is normal before driving normally. Remember not to sharply release the throttle, try to maintain a low speed within 2000 rpm, and wait for the water temperature to stabilize at 90 ℃ before starting normal driving.