I recently replaced my 2009 with a 2018. I have noticed that compared with my old car, the coolant temperature indication is very slow to rise on a cold morning. On my old car, I usually saw at least an indication within a mile, and normal temperature by the time I got to a particular intersection about 5 miles away. On the new car, I have either no indication or one segment at the same intersection, depending on the air temperature. The cabin heat seems to be as before, so it is most likely an indicator question.

I plan to ask about this when it goes in for the first service, but wondering if this is normal for newer, highly electronic versions?

 

fresh anti freeze in the new radiator takes time to warm up, also if the new car rad being bigger may cause time for temp to increase. over a year in the radiator, the anti freeze breaks down and warms up quicker, also as time goes, the top of the radiator starts to have minor corrosion/mild blockage causing quicker warm up. and anti freeze mixture / with water will also cause quicker warm up vs pure anti freeze.

 

All interesting factors. Car has 1700 miles, so will ask at 5k service.

 

also different setting of the thermostat opens slower or quicker. ( 180 degree thermostat vs 200 degree thermostat )