2002 Kia Spectra CAR GETTING HOT

HUNYBE

MEMBER
2002 KIA SPECTRA
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

My Kia seems to be getting hot but it's not going up in temperature on gauge.
I can feel on the bonnet some days and you could fry an egg on it. Not losing water out of radiator and green coolant. Topped up the coolant where it should go, checked oil and that's fine, belts are tight. Temperature on gauge sits at half.
Not sure what's going on. I only drive 5 mins up the road and back and it's hot, even the radiator water was warm today when I checked it.
I was told today it maybe my thermostat, but I don't know. Only had the car a year and half ago and it was roadworthy and serviced.
Bit worried as I don't know whether I should drive it far.
The belts squeel sometimes as well until it's warm, is this normal?

Hope you can help.

Thanks

3 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

The belt may need adjusting or replacing, if coolant levels are ok, engine fan working, oil level ok, and temp gauge working I would say all is ok, Engine bays create a lot of heat to be on the safe side, you can get the cooing system checked out just to make sure that the temp gauge is reading the correct temp levels, it may have a wrong sender fitted that can alter the readings that the gauge is reading.

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Friday, October 9th, 2015 AT 1:10 AM

HUNYBE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for a quick reply. So you don't think my thermostat needs to be looked at? The Kia has all original parts, so I think. How would I know if the water is pumping through ok? I haven't had to top the water up since I've had it.
Not sure in these cars where the water actually goes. LOL. I thought it goes straight into the radiator and not like some of these other cars that you put somewhere else and don't have to touch the radiator cap. LOL.

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Friday, October 9th, 2015 AT 2:05 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

You can check external temps with a laser thermometer, you can get a fairly good indication as to what is going on with one of these, if the thermostat is working the top of the radiator will be hotter than the bottom, both heater hoses will be hot with the heater open.

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Tuesday, October 13th, 2015 AT 2:02 AM