Hi Scotty and Friends,
I drive a '07 Highlander V6 3.3 FWD 105000 miles, the coolant was changed recently(HOAT, pink stuff).
I recently made a road-trip from Seattle to San Jose, the trip took 17 hours and I drove for about 13 hours (825 miles total). At the last leg of the trip I noticed the cabin of the car felt warm even though the temperature outside was around 45F - 50F and I wasn't running the AC or the fan.
I didn't over-rev the engine, mostly drove on cruise-control at about 2000 - 2200 RPM except while driving in the mountains.
Did I push the car too hard or there is something I'm missing ?
Sorry forgot to mention, The indicator for heat was a bit over half mark.
Is my car overheating ?
That's what this is for.
What did it say?
Rub your hands together. What happens?
The tires, the brakes, engine, transmission, shafts/axles. They all have parts that rub, and the friction generates heat. That heat is constantly radiating out from those parts. Don't forget that hot air from the radiator is constantly washing over the vehicle.
What is the body of your car made of? Metal is an excellent conductor of heat.
So, yes, after you drive for a long time you may feel the floor under your feet start to get warm as heat builds up. It's perfectly normal.
Makes perfect sense, many thanks! The indicator on my car isn't graded in F, it was generally a bit over the half mark.
Then the engine is fine.
If the needle on the temp gauge starts to climb towards the hot end, then pull over and park it, blast your heat on full, and idle the engine. If the temp doesn't go back down, then shut it off. Do not open the pressure cap until it has cooled off.
Same thing was happening in 02 Suzuki Swift. A little bit of heat could be felt. What was gauge showing?
The gauge isn't graded in F, but it was a bit over half mark for most of the trip.
Then you have nothing to worry about.