Coolant Temperature: What to Do When the Engine Temperature Is Rising

The optimal coolant temperature ranges between 194 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit. A precise degree-by-degree display is not necessary – it suffices if the needle is in the middle of the gauge. In some vehicle models, however, the needle is slightly below the middle. Some models from renowned manufacturers have omitted the temperature gauge for years (E90 drivers will be familiar with this), but even here, the temperature can usually be determined via the onboard computer, albeit in a somewhat cumbersome way.

What to do when the temperature rises?

If the temperature rises, pull over to the right and check the coolant level. Caution is advised here, as the coolant might already be boiling hot and could shoot out when opening the expansion tank. If there is indeed a shortage of coolant, water can be added as a temporary measure to get the system running again. If the cause lies elsewhere, continuing the journey can be considered using the following trick:

An effective method to cool down the engine at least a bit is to turn the heater to its maximum setting. As long as the temperature needle is not in the red zone, it's possible to continue driving while constantly monitoring the temperature gauge. It's advisable to take the longer route via highways/country roads and avoid city traffic (forgoing overtaking maneuvers and high speeds). If this trick doesn’t help, unfortunately, a call to the roadside assistance service will be necessary, as the damage to the cooling system might be too advanced.

However, if the temperature stabilizes back to normal, it's advisable to occasionally pull over to check and, if necessary, top up the coolant. It should be obvious that this is not a permanent solution and does not replace a visit to the workshop soon.

See also:

• How To Change Coolant In Your Car?
• Can You Add Oil To A Hot Engine?