Typical Radiator Temperature
by Darryl James
The job of the radiator is to radiate heat away from the vehicle and to circulate coolant throughout the cooling system and into the engine in order to keep the engine from overheating. If everything in the cooling system is operating properly, the radiator and the engine will maintain a safe temperature.
Normal Range
The normal range of temperature for a vehicle's engine is 195 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The radiator and cooling system can maintain this temperature range with a liquid mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water.
Overheating
When the temperature of the engine goes above 200 degrees, boiling of the coolant solution can cause overheating. A 50/50 solution of antifreeze/water will boil at 225 degrees and increasing the amount of antifreeze to 70 per cent will increase the boiling temperature to 276 degrees.
Maintenance
If the radiator is properly pressurized, the boiling temperature can be increased. However, if the engine contains any aluminum portions, the increased heat can cause damage. Therefore, the best course of action is to keep the temperature within the normal range.
References
Writer Bio
Darryl James, a syndicated columnist and freelance writer in the Los Angeles area has written for more than 15 years for "New York Newsday," "Pittsburgh Courier," "The Los Angeles Sentinel," "Women's Wear Daily," "Apparel News," "Rap Sheet" and more. James has written books and has just finished his first screenplay.
