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How hot does an engine get?

I know that engines can get super hot—hot enough to cook an egg on. But an overheating engine can damage your car. So I’m not sure how hot is hot. How hot does a car engine actually get during normal operation?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If you’re wondering how hot an engine gets, the temperature can ramp up from 195 to 220 degrees during normal operation. Any lower and the engine performance suffers. Any higher and you risk blowing the engine or
causing an engine fire
.
To keep the car at this optimal temperature, automakers use a radiator and coolant system, which ensures that your car doesn’t overheat. Routine maintenance is integral to keeping a cooling system running smoothly. So if your engine overheats, take it to your repair shop immediately.
If you inadvertently cause an engine fire or you’re afraid that you might, consider a comprehensive insurance policy. In most cases, this will cover an engine fire. To get the best rate, shop around with the
Jerry
app.
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