Engine VERY hot - is this normal???

[crj0415]

Hello everyone! I am a BRAND new Jeep Liberty owner. It's a 2002 that I just picked up today. I have a question - my engine feels VERY HOT after driving just a short distance. The temperature gauge inside the car seems to stay in the middle. But when I park the car after driving, the hood feels SO very hot! Is this normal? The heat lasts for a couple hours!! I don't know much of anything about cars, but this doesn't seem right. Can anybody out there give me any feedback on this?? THANKS!!!

[JDPascal]

Welcome to AF crj0415!!

Engine operating temps are always in the 200 deg F range - much hotter than your every day shower water........ and the hood will feel hot from that.

So long as the temp gauge stays in the normal range on the dial you'll be fine.

As you get to know the vehicle, notice where the indicator needles on the gauges are on a normal drive to work. Then if any of them get way off of where "normal" is you can assume that something needs some kind of attention.

Enjoy your Jeep

JD