Quoted from 1989 Vanagon owner's manual:

(first paragraph omitted, it pretty much states the obvious)

�  Engine operating temperature will vary with climate, traffic
conditions and engine load.  Maintain moderate speed until the engine has
warmed up.

�  When the engine is working hard and in stop-and-go traffic or in hot
weather, the needle can show a very high temperature, but this is not
serious as long as the warning light does not flash.

       George/ATL
      '89 WesTiico, Wernher