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[BazaJT]

With latest coolant temp problems I've been looking up a variety of things.One thing that's come to light is that most owners seem to report their temp gauges read in the 85-95 range,which is fair enough.However figures given in the gospel according to Saint Haynes the thermostat begins opening at 92 and is fully open at 107.On the face of it then most owners are running about with thermostats either shut or at best only partially open This clearly cannot be the actual case,so can someone explain to a thicko like me how this is so?It's just curiosity on my part and merely of academic interest.

[05omegav6]

Three reasons...

1. The vagueries of production.
2. The fact that the markings on the gauge are seemingly spaced randomly.
3. The variations between various thermostats.

 

[Nick W]

What he said, plus the coolant is at different temperatures around the system.

[STEMO]

On modern cars, as long as the temperature is within a range, the gauge just sits in the middle, thus alleviating any stress for the driver.
My astra H didn't even have a temperature gauge.

[EMD]

Those little French cars dont have any temperature gauge  Guess its normal to stop once there's steam coming from under the bonnet 
My gauge/temp runs pretty high in traffic but fans soon cool it down , ive always took it that this is the norm as long as it dont go into the red .

[Webby the Bear]

In no way is the temp of the coolant a reflection of what's on the gauge 

[Lazydocker]

And, finally, you are taking Haynes to be completely correct

[Andy H]

Also - the flow through the thermostat is not proportional to how far open it is. It only has to crack open for a rush of coolant to pass through it. In normal use the engine probably runs at 94-95C, at the thermostat, with the stat just cracked open

[05omegav6]

Those little French cars dont have any temperature gauge  Guess its normal to stop once there's steam coming from under the bonnet 
My gauge/temp runs pretty high in traffic but fans soon cool it down , ive always took it that this is the norm as long as it dont stay in the red .

Fixed

[BazaJT]

See that's the sort of thing I didn't know.I thought thermostat would be akin to a tap in  as much as as it opens you get a trickle and then a greater flow the more you open it.Just one of those things that grab my attention from time to time.