It recently got really cold in my area and my engine is not reaching normal operating temperatures.The temperature gauge goes even lower when I turn the heat on.Even with the heat off it is not reaching the same operating temperatures that it previously did in warmer weather. Is it safe to drive below normal engine temps?

 

sure its safe. You have to drive until it gets to normal operating temp. don't you? And during that time isn't it below the normal operating temp? yup. I'd get your sensors checked out. Or maybe you have a real efficent radiator.

 

yeah i have an integra radiator with a b16,maybe i should have mentioned that haha

 

Real good chance that you have a bad thermostat...irregardless of efficient radiator. Replace the thermostat and watch the temp reach normal operating temp (educated guess).

BTW, if your engine temp doesn't reach "normal" operating temp, VTEC will not engage (180 degrees has to be reached...I believe). Not good to run a cold motor because of oil temperature and how this affects viscosity characteristics (5 weight when cold, and 30 weight when operating temp for 5W30). Running a motor cold all the time will cause premature engine wear.

Just my 10 cents...err something like that.

 

I got an aluminum radiator installed a little while ago and my car reaches a temp that allows VTEC to work still, but it is running cooler than it did in the past. And esspecially in the winter with the heat on - your car will run cooler now.