My temperature gauge stays about half way to the mid point on the cool side. The other day my upper hose sprung a leak. It was the only time I ever saw it get close to the red zone. I had the thermostat changed and a new upper hose installed. The mechanic said the thermostat was stuck closed.

Today I drove for over an hour in city traffic and the temperature guage is still more or less in half way up to the mid point position. Both upper and lower hoses
were hot to the touch. I take that to mean the thermostat is working, but should the temperature guage indicator be at mid point when engine is at normal operating temperature?

Thank you for your interest and helpfulness