Our temp gauges are not accurate.
One gauge could run on the low half in a car, swap gauges, and the new gauge runs on the top half.
Its a relative thing, plus they are also narrow banded, kind of like O2 sensors.
180 degree t-stat is good for winter/summer.
A 170 t-stat can be used in warmer months if you'd like.
Add a bottle of redline water wetter to a a mix of anti-freeze/distilled water.
I run 30% anti-freeze in summer and 60% in winter.
Also, if you are really concerned about engine temps, get an oil cooler.
It helped to stabelize my temps alot, I see very little fluctuation.
My needle stays withing the letter "O" in "Normal", regardless of driving conditions/ambient temps.
