Coolant Temp Gauge

[Fab Estate]

Where is the temp gauge on the Fab 2, I can't find it?

[rkenny]

You don't have one I'm afraid. You only get 'proper' dashboard instruments if you buy a Fabia 3 or if you order Maxidot.

[Fab Estate]

What, no temperature gauge? I thought Skoda had progressed since being taken over by VAG.
Are there any other makes of cars that don't have these gauges?
Thanks for the reply rkenny.

[Lummox]

VW New Beetle
VW Golf TSi.

In theory you dont really need one. You have a warning to tell you if its too hot or the level is low and usually a blue light to tell you its not up to temp. Its all that is really required. for the most part the temp gauge just reads 90 degress for piece of mind regardless of whats actually happening in the engine.

[MikeyG]

Originally Posted by Fab Estate

What, no temperature gauge? I thought Skoda had progressed since being taken over by VAG.
Are there any other makes of cars that don't have these gauges?
Thanks for the reply rkenny.

A lot of the more recent Vauxhalls like the Astra and the Corsa have done away with temp gauges.

[Fab Estate]

I would prefer to have a gauge but I guess if Vauxhalls are doing the same it must be OK.

[Lummox]

As I said it doesnt really tell you anything of any value that a blue/red light doesn't.

[irfant]

They don't have...

When temp. increases towards dangerous degrees, warning lamp will flash in yellow first, also indicates low coolant level...

If it is red just stop the engine...

[JSJ]

Our 2000 punto had no temp guage. You get used to it.

[Fab Estate]

It's a bit hard to get use to after 35 years of driving.

[bobbyforeman]

I happen to have a go in a VW Fox the other day. No temperature gauge in that either which was no surprise, but it did have a Rev Counter that looked like your average temperature gauge:-

[Lummox]

Please dont mention the Fox when I am online, I enjoyed my dinner but have no wish to see it again.

[Organist]

My old Morris Minor didn't have one either..........

[Tailhappy]

Hehe - how times have changed. The temperature gauge in the Skoda Estelle and Rapid is the most important gauge. I am sure it would be useful in the Fabia also.

If gauge goes past 80C to 100C and then falls back on initial warmup, the head gasket is starting to blow.

If the gauge goes slowly up, the thermostat is stuck open.

If the gauge pumps up and down on a long run, the head has a small crack.

If the gauge just goes past 80C on to ever higher temperatures, the thermostat is stuck closed.

If the gauge starts creeping up on a difficult road, it is telling you that the car is working harder than it can be cooled - slow down!

And lastly, I once drove up a long hill that worked the engine hard. At the top there was a traffic jam and I had to stop, and in doing so the heat from the engine went nowhere and caused the radiator to split. The fact that the gauge went up so fast told me to stop NOW - a light would have only warned me that there was apossible problem and to pull over ASAP. The AA patrol said that it was my stopping so swiftly that saved my engine.

Over time, you get to know the temperature characteristics of your car. Any deviation usually means trouble somewhere - and noting this early can save a big bill later.

Bottom line - an accurate temperature gauge is as important as a rev counter - and if offered should be taken up.

Ian

[Fab Estate]

Originally Posted by Tailhappy

Hehe - how times have changed. The temperature gauge in the Skoda Estelle and Rapid is the most important gauge. I am sure it would be useful in the Fabia also.

If gauge goes past 80C to 100C and then falls back on initial warmup, the head gasket is starting to blow.

If the gauge goes slowly up, the thermostat is stuck open.

If the gauge pumps up and down on a long run, the head has a small crack.

If the gauge just goes past 80C on to ever higher temperatures, the thermostat is stuck closed.

If the gauge starts creeping up on a difficult road, it is telling you that the car is working harder than it can be cooled - slow down!

And lastly, I once drove up a long hill that worked the engine hard. At the top there was a traffic jam and I had to stop, and in doing so the heat from the engine went nowhere and caused the radiator to split. The fact that the gauge went up so fast told me to stop NOW - a light would have only warned me that there was apossible problem and to pull over ASAP. The AA patrol said that it was my stopping so swiftly that saved my engine.

Over time, you get to know the temperature characteristics of your car. Any deviation usually means trouble somewhere - and noting this early can save a big bill later.

Bottom line - an accurate temperature gauge is as important as a rev counter - and if offered should be taken up.

Ian

Thanks Ian, you have given many good reasons why there should be a coolant temp gauge in the car.
I wonder if one could be retro fitted?

[Tailhappy]

Glad to be of help. I know Halfords sell gauges to retrofit, but without marking your facia you would need to velcro it on. Not ideal - and I am sure that the garage would comment - and it may void the warranty. You could use a temperature probe on a wire - like the Formula 1 teams do, but be carful with the routing of the wire!

What I suggest is that you take action as soon as you see the light come on - don't assume that it is just the water getting a bit low - it could be a split hose from a flying stone or something other important. Prompt action is vital to prevent engine damage if there is a loss of coolant.

However, I do feel that the removal of the gauges from modern cars is a retrograde step. In the 70's and 80's, a well informed dashboard was a desirable option - we had oil pressure, oil temperature along with the water temperature and speed/rev counter. Perhaps car manufacturers today think that the average user cannot comprehend a visual display of what the engine is doing ?

Ian