I have an obd2 app on my phone , you don't have to start the engine to get some basic readings like coolant temp, engine codes ect.. My car has been sitting for almost 2 days without being started, Its been just above freezing 34-40F, I had to get some stuff out of it today and was curious what the coolant temp would be from sitting those 2 days, and it shows about 33F coolant temp..does that seem correct, I guess I'm a little concerned that it's that close to freezing, am I missing something?
Coolant temp on cold /non running engine?
- Thread starter Kql
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It would be at the ambient emp, or slightly lower if the temps drop further at night. That's why coolant has antifreeze in it.
After sitting for some time, your coolant will be at the same temperature as the surrounding air.
After 2 days of sitting???
Maybe ? Can the coolant in the engine/radiator be slightly insulated ?
If the ambient temperature stayed the same exact temp for 24 hours then both coolant and ambient temperature would likely read the same. However, the ambient temperature changes and the coolant temperature is always trying to equalize with the ambient temperature. It could take several hours for the coolant temp to start changing. Very rarely are both ambient and coolant temp the same.
Makes total sense, in simple terms, antifreeze raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point, it does NOT actually change the temperature?
yes that's it. It also changes the specific heat though.
The fact the cooling system is pressurized also raises the boiling point; if you are aware of "pressure cookers" for cooking things, it allows the water to be hotter than 212F and still be liquid water
Correct, antifreeze or coolant doesn't change the temp of the fluid.
A 50/50 mix of coolant/water i believe is good to about -47F IIRC
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