‘My temp gauge moves up while driving. Is this normal?’ [Newbie Guide]

The car’s instrument panel is the driver’s main link to finding out how their ride is performing in everyday conditions, and new car owners are often wary of what they see on the display. Motorists may be familiar with the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge, but everything else would probably feel like reading hieroglyphs.   

For new drivers, the car's dashboard could just as well be an alien language

One of the less appreciated but essential tools on the driver’s side of the dashboard is the temperature gauge. As the name says, this feature shows you at what temperature your engine is running. 

Say that you get to drive your shiny new ride after getting it from the dealership. You start the car, put the transmission in gear, and ease off smoothly from your garage or driveway. A random glance at your instruments shows that the needle or indicator temperature gauge is steadily climbing, and a wave of panic likewise grows within you. 

Is it normal for the temp gauge to give off such a reading? Yes. 

A typical automobile engine works on the principle of combustion, which means heat is a necessary part of the process 

In case you’ve forgotten, the engine aboard a typical automobile operates on the principle of combustion. In simple terms, that gasoline or diesel mill under the hood burns fuel, which makes it possible for the vehicle to deliver the kind of performance touted by its manufacturer. 

Regardless of the make and model, the temp gauge will usually climb up shortly after the ignition has started. This indicates that the engine block is getting progressively hotter as it should, since it’s now in the process of converting fuel into energy. 

When the indicator stops midway between the ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ positions, that means that the engine has reached its optimal operating temperature. It will stay this way for as long as the engine is running until you switch it off again. 

If the indicator goes past the halfway mark, that's when you should be worried

What you should watch out for is if the temp gauge steadily rises past the halfway point and closer to the ‘hot’ position, as this indicates that the engine is overheating. In that case, you will need to have your car’s cooling system checked by a competent mechanic.  

Find more tips for beginner car owners at Philkotse.com.