2007-05-05 09:53:08 · 5 answers · asked by Nissan101 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Actually it can get a lot hotter than 212.
212 is the boiling point of water at sea level.
Cars mix antifreeze and water which raises the boiling point PLUS they pressurize the system up to abput 15 PSI which also raises the boiling point so cars can get up to 240-250 without overheating or boiling over.
That is why a car that is just overheated can cause coolant to shoot out of the radiator if the radiator cap is removed. The pressure reduction causes the coolant to come to a sudden boil, turning into steam and propelling the coolant out of the radiator like a geyser.
2007-05-05 09:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by K R 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Normal now days is 210F. With 50/50 antifreeze and a properly pressurized system, you'd have to go to 260 before it started boiling. That's why you don't take the cap off when it's hot. You release the pressure and the coolant all starts boiling at once, spraying superheated water in your face.
2007-05-05 22:21:35 · answer #2 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over 212 degrees, with appropriate antifreeze. Most cars are designed to run hot.
2007-05-05 17:01:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
some newer cars run as hot as 250.. most will cycle the eletric fan at about 220 to 230... but above 250 is bad... usually you start to stress the head gasket...and on today modular motors it can cost you alot in a hurry.
2007-05-05 17:37:37 · answer #4 · answered by ministock94 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
212 degrees.
2007-05-05 16:58:10 · answer #5 · answered by totamed 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋