Eli5: How does a thermometer on a car work?

Question

I can’t think of a location within the bodywork of a car that would provide accurate data considering wind-chill when it’s moving, excessive heat from either the engine, or stationary in the sun.

In: 242

Answer 1

I’ve had cars that when idling for long periods in the summer the heat build up from under the car would raise the temp to the point the thermometer on the dash would max out at 122F and then just say “hot”.

The temp probe is almost always in the grill of the car.