Ford Escort - Car temperature gauge at max - Alfred Rees-Glinos
My temperature gauge can often get very close to the red, if I’ve been sitting in traffic for a while (I am sure that I hear the fan kicking in, so that isn’t the problem). I then turn on the heating, but should I really need to do this? Should I get the problem checked out, or is this kind of thing normal on most cars?
Ford Escort - Car temperature gauge at max - Andrew-T

If you hear the fan start, the temp should then begin to fall. If it doesn't, have it checked. If it's a problem at this time of year it'll be a bigger one in summer.

Ford Escort - Car temperature gauge at max - elekie&a/c doctor
How old is this car, and does it have a/con?
Ford Escort - Car temperature gauge at max - bluezzr1100

To my mind this is a partially blocked cooling circuit-possibly a stuck thermostat. Change thermostat and reverse flush everything with clean water. It will be a bigger problem in the summer as somebody has already said!

Ford Escort - Car temperature gauge at max - bluezzr1100

Could be a rather dilapidated water pump impeller-might need a new pump