engine coolant temperature
Normal engine coolant temperature depends on a lot of factors. Before we get into what normal engine coolant temperatures are, a better question you maybe should ask is what temperature is your engine really running at?
Does your car have a temperature gauge? Can you really trust it? Many cars being sold today simply have a blue thermometer dash light that turns off once your car is warmed up and a red thermometer dash light that turns on if your car gets too hot. Even your owner’s manual probably doesn’t tell you what temperature those lights turn on and off at.
One vehicle we test drove did have a temperature gauge closer inspection the gauge stayed centered even though the vehicle’s actual coolant temperature ranged from 140 degrees up to 230 degrees!
So how can you be sure of your engine coolant temperature?
- If your car was built before 1996, install a mechanical coolant temperature gauge made by a reputable company
- If your car is older than 1996 it will have an OBDII port. Get a device to plug into that port to read the coolant temperature. One of our favorites is made by Foseal and can be linked with an app on your phone like Torque which will allow you to see the value of various sensors in your car’s engine.
Now that you know what your car’s engine coolant temperature actually is, watch it for a few days in a variety of driving situations. If you have an OBDII scanner, you may even be able to graph coolant temperatures in your app and track them that way.
The best place to start in comparing your vehicle’s normal engine coolant temperature to see if it’s correct is with your thermostat setting. If you call your local auto parts store, like one of our partners below, they will be able to tell you what temperature your engine’s thermostat is designed to start opening. This will likely be somewhere in the 160 to 190 degree range based on what your drive.
Another thing to consider when watching your engine coolant temperature is what the engine cooling fans are set to. If you are driving slowly or stopped idling the fans keep enough air moving through your radiator to keep your engine cool. Engine cooling fans may engage at one speed or multiple speeds and may kick on anywhere between 180 and 220 degrees. Ensuring your engine cooling fans are working properly is important to keep your car cool but usually doesn’t tell you much about your engine’s normal operating temperature so consider keeping your vehicle driving over 35 MPH when determining what temperature your vehicle operates at.
If it seems like your vehicle is running too warm, make sure your cooling system is working at peak efficiency by performing regular coolant flushes, checking for leaks and making sure your radiator isn’t damaged or clogged with debris.
If you’re sure your cooling system is working correctly, try adding BlueDevil Engine Cool to reduce your engine temperature up to 25 degrees!
You can pick up BlueDevil Engine Cool at one of your local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- CarQuest Auto Parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Canadian Tire
- Walmart
Pictures Provided By:
engine_coolant_temperature.jpg – By Livijusr – Licensed by Getty Images – Original Link
BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
61 responses to "What is Normal Engine Coolant Temperature?"
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Hi there.
Thanks very much for the valuable information.
I have chevy Malibu 2018, when driving in high speeds (130km+) the coolant temperature is 107°C then goes down.
In normal speeds it is around 97°C.
I wonder if the 107 is normal for the car.
I have everything else normal and the car has no other problem, the check engine light is off.
Best Regards
Jaafar
Jaafar-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Malibu. It seems that the normal operating temperature range for your vehicle is between 190-225 degrees Fahrenheit, so the temperature you read still falls within the normal range.
Thank you!
-BDP
same goes to me, when im hit acceleration and more than 100km it can goes more than 105celcius.when i release the acceleration paddle, temperature goes down. was it normal?
What is the normal temperature for Pontiac Solstice GXP 2007?
Abigail-
Thank you for asking about your Pontiac Solstice. While we don’t have your vehicle specific information, normal operating temperature for most vehicles can range between 190-220 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thank you!
-BDP
What would be the ideal temperature range for a mildly modified 350 small block Chevy? Right now the engine runs between 190 and 210 degrees with Derale 4000 cfm electric mini fans. Is 210 degrees too high? Thank you.
Giuseppe-
For most vehicles, the normal operating temperature will range from about 195-220 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not sounds like 210 degrees is too high.
Thank you!
-BDP
My Ford Escape 1.6T idles around 210F, is that normal?
Rich-
It appears the normal operating temperature for your Ford Escape ranges from 180-210 degrees Fahrenheit. Although on the higher end, it does sound like it is still in the normal operating temperature range.
Thank you!
-BDP
Is it normal that the indicator gauge fluctuates a little bit while driving in Rav4 ?
Nashwan-
If the temperature gauge keeps fluctuating, it could be the sign of a faulty thermostat. This is very inexpensive and the easiest component to replace, so it would be a good place to start.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a Chevy Malibu 2011 lt. And the my gauge stays at C does not even out . Do I have a leak ? Or faulty radiator ?
Javier-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Malibu. Based on your description, you may have a faulty thermostat and/or faulty temp sensor. The thermostat is the least expensive and easiest to replace, so it would be a good idea to start there. If the problem persists, you may want to look into a temperature sensor replacement.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello! I have a 2019 Jeep Compass latitude. My coolant temperature gage reads 223F usually. Is this a normal temp? I guess a better question should be what temperature should I be concerned about? My dealer said it could go up to 230 but this just seems high to me?
Charly-
Thank you for asking about your Jeep Compass. There are vehicles that will have normal temperature ranges that are higher when compared to other vehicles. It would not be out of the ordinary if 223 degrees Fahrenheit was within normal operating temperatures for your Jeep, especially with it being a newer vehicle.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello my Dodge Dart engine 2400 I have the engine temperature up to 110 degrees Celsius after it starts to go down Is this normal
Saif-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Dart. The temperature you mentioned seems a little high for your engine. Have you noticed any other symptoms? How many miles are on the vehicle? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of your vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have the same vehicle as Cheryl. I just changed the thermostat last weekend and the temp fluctuates from some 217° to 225°. Is that too high? The temp gage stays just to the left of center…
Alex-
The temperature you’ve indicated does seem to be a little high. Have you tried having the cooling system flushed? If not, depending on your mileage, it could be due for a service.
Thank you!
-BDP
I Have A 2012 Chevy Cruze 1.4 Lt with Turbo With 144,000 Miles & My Coolant Temp Goes To 233 Sometimes , Is That normal ?
Cheryl-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Cruze. The temperature you mentioned seems a little high for your vehicle. Does it quickly go back down and kind of hover around that temperature? Have you noticed any other issues with the vehicle? It may be best to bring the vehicle to a certified ASE mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
Thank you!
-BDP
Good day, I replaced an engine in a Kia Picanto with a ga13 it came out from a March k11. My temperature goes up to 120 degrees celcus with the ac on it drops as soon as I take off the ac is this normal??
Imran-
Thanks for your question. It’s possible there is a restriction in the a/c system that is causing the engine to work harder than normal with the a/c running. Try flushing the a/c to remove any possible restrictions, refill with refrigerant, and then retest. If the problem persists, the thermostat would be the next thing to check out.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello. I have a 2016 lexus is350 f sport. My temp runs between 212 and 219. Is that normal?
Jamie-
Thank you for asking about your Lexus. Although it may seem high, normal operating temperature range for most vehicles falls between 195-220 degrees Fahrenheit. If no warning indicators or check engine lights are coming on, and the vehicle seems to be driving normally, you should be fine.
Thank you!
-BDP
hi my toyota yaris 2016 has 81-86degC running temp during winter time while it increases to 88-96degC during peak of summer here in Saudi Arabia.
Coolant level is normal and rad cooling fan works well both low speed and high speed depending on condition.
Is this normal for a wide range of operating temp for this type of small car?
Mr. RF-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Yaris. Yes, the temperature ranges you have mentioned would seem to fall within normal operating temperatures for this vehicle.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello,
I own a Hyundai elantra 2018 SEL version (engine 2.0 L 4-cylinder) and recently bought a bluetooth OBD2 tool (Bluedriver)
While checking the coolant temperature it reads that the max temperature is 221f (105c)
I am just wondering if that is okay for that type of car.
I just want to make sure if the engine temp is within the normal limits
Thank you in advance.
Cesar-
Thank you for asking about your Hyundai Elantra. The temperature you mentioned does seem a bit high, however, it may still fall within normal operating temperature range for your vehicle. Because it should still be under warranty, it may be worth bringing the vehicle to the dealership to discuss.
Thank you!
-BDP
HI there I have a 2012 Dodge Charge 3.6V and it seems to me that it is running high… around 200 degrees F. It also seems to lack the power to really go very fast anymore…. Is this normal temp rang?
Tina-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Charger. 200 degrees Fahrenheit would fall within the normal operating temperature range for your vehicle. If you feel the engine is lacking power, it may be best to bring the vehicle to a certified ASE mechanic for a proper diagnosis. Depending on the mileage on the vehicle, it may be due for a service.
Thank you!
-BDP
My lower radiator hose never gets warm. I just replaced the radiator and 180 degree OEM Nissan thermostat in my 2008 Nissan Frontier. I filled the radiator using a burping funnel while the engine was cold and then turned the engine on and burped some more while squeezing the upper radiator hose until there were no more air bubbles. I put on the radiator and reservoir caps and watched the temperature reading using a check engine tester. The temperature settled out at a temperature between about 188 and 198 even as I drove the car around the neighborhood about 25 to 30 mph. The heat was working fine in the cab and both heater hoses were hot. The upper radiator hose was too hot to touch but the lower radiator hose was about 70 degrees (ambient air temperature).
Is this normal? Shouldn’t the lower radiator hose get warm/hot?
Jim-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan Frontier. The lower radiator hose should always be cooler than the upper radiator hose, as the upper hose transports the hot coolant from the engine into the radiator to be cooled back down and the lower hose is transporting the cooled coolant from the radiator radiator back into the engine.
Hope this helps!
-BDP
Hi, I have a 2004 citroen C3 diesel,
Usually, on a normal ambient day (around 8+ degrees c), It usually hits around 3 temperature lights (halfway) by the time I get to work (around 15 minutes). Today was slightly colder (2 degrees c maximum), and I noticed that it had only reached 2 lights when I parked up, after a bit of waiting it did hit three lights. Is this normal? Do colder climates mean that engines take longer to heat up fully?
Peralta-
Yes, it is not uncommon for the engine to take a little longer to warm up when the climate is colder. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi, I have Toyota Vios/Yaris 2008 manual and the coolant temperature is always somewhere 89 to 96 degree celcius. But when going way uphill it goes up to 110 degree Celsius . Is it normal? Thanks
Ronski-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota. 110 degrees Celsius, or 230 degrees Fahrenheit does seem higher than normal operating temperature. Are you noticing any issues with engine performance when going up a hill? Depending on use and mileage, it may be due for a service. Having the cooling system flush and refilled would be a great place to start, as this would ensure it wasn’t a clog/restriction causing the temp to start rising. Having the thermostat looked at and possible replaced would also be a great place to start.
Thank you!
-BDP
I already replaced the coolant and the thermostat and now planning to replace the radiator. What is the acceptable coolant temperature when going uphill?
Thank you BDP
Ronski-
Normal operating temperature typically ranges between 195-220 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi…. I have a Nissan NP 200 pick up. The problem that I have is that my temperature gauge is not reaching at normal operation (middle). It also does not entirely stay at 0. It’s right in the middle of zero and normal. It would stay like this during long term roaming until parking. I can’t tell if there’s a problem here. I believe if the thermostat is not opening, the gauge would stay at zero. Please help me understand this.
Nelson-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan. The most common explanation for the issue you’ve described is a faulty thermostat and/or faulty temperature sensor. Replacing the thermostat would be a good place to start, as it is one of the easiest and least expensive components to replace. If the problem persists, you may want to look into possible temp sensor replacement.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2013 hyundai elantra gt. When driving at normal speed my scanner tells me my ect reads 92 to 95 degrees Celsius… Is this normal temp?
Gage-
The temperatures you’ve given would fall within the normal operating temperature range for your Hyundai Elantra GT. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello thanks for the insight. I would like to know what is the normal operating temperature for a 2002 chevy tracker 4cyl. My temperature is between 195.8 and 199.5, I was wondering if this is too high.
Gian-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Tracker. The temperatures you’ve indicated would fall in between the normal operating temperature range for your vehicle. Were you noticing any other symptoms? Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi i have an 2016 2.4lt diesel manuel trans when i go up hills or pushing the car over 150-160 km/h the temp rising to 100 celcius is it normal.No issues in city or normal driving in highway 130km/h
Erhan-
The temperature you’ve indicated would fall between the normal operating temperature ranges, so it doesn’t seem abnormal. Going up hills or running the vehicle at higher speeds would put more load on the engine, so it makes sense that operating temperature would rise.
Thank you!
-BDP
What is the normal temperature for a 2001 Isuzu VehiCross? The engine is the stock TF SERIES 6VE1 3.5L
Thank you
Max-
It appears the normal operating temperature of your Isuzu Vehicross is around 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi,
I have a 1974 Toyota Corolla with a 2T engine (1.6L). This engine is running at a temperature of 107 degree Celsius when driving at 100km/hr.
What is the normal and the maximum coolant temperature?
Jacques-
The normal operating temperature range for your Toyota Corolla is 195-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, the temperature you indicated would be about 225 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating overheating. We’d recommend having the vehicle inspected before matters get worse.
Thank you!
-BDP
What is a normal temp for the thermostat on a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. Engine light is on and the code is P0128 and my husband thinks it may just need coolant or a new cap. All fluids were changed when they did warranty work in July.
Deb-
Thank you for asking about your Chrysler Town & Country. Are you asking what the normal coolant operating temperature is or at what temperature does the thermostat open up at? Please contact out technical support line so that we can get a little better understanding and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello, I have a 2017 Chevy Cruze and I noticed my temp gauge reaches the half mark before I reach a destination like 15 minutes down the street. No other issues with the car. Had the coolant checked not leaking was wondering what is a normal temperature gauge? and should I worry?
Jennifer-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Cruze. The half mark on the temperature gauge would typically indicate normal operating temperature, so it doesn’t sound like there’s an issue there. No need to worry!
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2018 Toyota Camry LE. I am relocating to Colorado and will be transporting my vehicle there from Florida next month. Someone mentioned to me in passing that I should add Anti-freeze to my car because I was moving my car there in the peak of winter. What is the standard temperature range for the coolant/anti-freeze mixture in a Florida Toyota Camry? Also, Is that sufficient for my relocation to Colorado?
Thank you,
Axel-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Camry. Are you saying the cooling system currently only contains water and no antifreeze? If so, you would want to drain the cooling system and fill it with the manufacturer’s recommended coolant mixture. Especially, if you moving to a climate with freezing conditions.
Thank you!
-BDP
The engine temperature of my Peugeot 2008 MY 2013 used to be around 90 degree Celsius. I recently had the thermostat housing and bypass hose replaced. Now the temperature gauze is sitting at 100 degree Celsius upon normal driving. Is this something to be concerned about?
Khaza-
Thank you for asking about your Peugeot 2008. Based on your description, it does not sound like cause for concern. The temperature you’ve indicated, although a little higher after replacements, would still fall within the normal operating temperature range.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi
My car BMW 730 li (2014) coolant temperature range between 94 – 100 , during crowded however in highway didn’t go above 96 . And the oil temperature range 105 – 115. Is this normal
It happen once during climbing a hill/ Mountain and the road was crowded the coolant temperature reach 110 and the oil temperature 124
Ahmed-
Thank you for asking about your BMW. Although a little high, the temperatures you’ve indicated would fall within the normal operating temperature range. Hope this helps!
Thank you!
-BDP