Stock temperature gauge

[dthebuk]

Usally the temperature gauge doesn\'t go above halfway, unless im in traffic on a hot day. But today i was sitting in slight traffic in the rain ( it was quite cold outside) and the temperature gauge went over halfway. This was a tiny amount of traffic after i had just come off a dual carriage way. Also when i got out of the car there was some smoke coming from the wheel arches (i assume  exhaust some how) it also smelt a bit weird, tho i cannot describe the smell.

am i just being paranoid or is there a chance one of the water seals has gone?

[grinder]

it depends on how FAR it went up the gauge

if its only moved a few MM then you "should" be OK

if it hit the top - then its serious

[dthebuk]

nah, it was just above half way, but it doesnt usually go that high easily

[grinder]

hummm i cant really comment

but mine has moved a few MM on the odd occasion and its been fine

[Prof]

The only time I ever saw mine go over half way is when I also had the coolant buzzer going - turned out the water pump was leaking - spraying water all round the engine bay
 
They are heavily damped, but it could also be caused by earthing issues, as I\'ve seen the gauges rise and dip with throttle application before now

[pdtaylor18]

Never had mine go above half way even in high temps.  Did you get the smoke issue sorted? sometime if rain get under the hood (which it will) then there are plenty of hot things to cook it and give off steam.  It may well have been a sticky thermostat, for what it costs might be worth replacing it.
Check your coolant level regularly, they should not use anything.  Water seals going I doubt will give you an external indication unless coming from the exhaust.