1997 malibu car temp

[tjr19136]

car runs hotter in local traffic vs highway

[manicmechanix]

Originally Posted by tjr19136

car runs hotter in local traffic vs highway

that's normal. The center mark on the temp guage is about 180. they usually run around the slash one above the center about 190 and commonly go up another slash. Althoug you should not be running more than 3 slashes above center generally.

[davebigs]

That is exactly the way it should be, stop and go driving is a lot more stressfull on the car compared to highway driving.

[milpitasian]

Higher engine temperatures while driving locally are normal for your car because while driving on the highway, cool air is being fed constantly to the radiator in the front. If your temperature becomes to high during local driving, you can turn your A/C on and that will turn the electric fans behind the radiator on, cooling the system.

[manicmechanix]

Originally Posted by milpitasian

If your temperature becomes to high during local driving, you can turn your A/C on and that will turn the electric fans behind the radiator on, cooling the system.

I have to disagree. The fans will kick on if the coolant temperature gets high enough. No point in putting extra engine load and heat load by running the A/C. You help the engine cool more by turning off the A/C. Actually turning the climate control on heat and the fan up will do more to cool the engine. It's doubtful anyone would want to do that on a hot day. If the eng temp is nearing the red best thing to di is shut the engine down immediately and let the engine cool off for a while.

[cheerios1]

yep, when riding in traffic air flows a lot slower. After the car has cooled, check your coolant, being it's a 97, check for leaks too if coolant is low, has the coolant sensor ever beeped at you, and as asked by "manicmechanix" do you ever hear the fans kick on when the temp rises while in traffic....be cautious you get the engine hot, low coolant, you blow the head gasket and so much more.....don't let me even begin the aftermath.