When the engine temperature is too high, it can cause several hazards including a decrease in the engine's air charge coefficient, abnormal engine combustion, deterioration of engine oil, and damage to the ignition wires. Decrease in the engine's air charge coefficient: Due to engine overheating, the temperature inside the engine compartment rises, reducing the engine's air intake capacity. Abnormal engine combustion: The temperature of the air-fuel mixture entering the cylinders increases, raising the overall operating cycle temperature of the engine. With low radiator efficiency, the engine remains in an overheated state, causing the end-gas mixture in the combustion chamber to absorb more heat, accelerating pre-ignition reactions, and increasing the likelihood of knocking. Deterioration of engine oil: Under high temperature and pressure, the engine oil's oxidation stability deteriorates, accelerating thermal decomposition, oxidation, and polymerization processes. Damage to ignition wires: When driving in high-temperature environments, the ignition coil can overheat, weakening the high-voltage spark and leading to engine misfires at high speeds. In severe cases, the ignition coil may burn out, affecting normal vehicle operation. Causes of engine overheating: Water pump failure: When the water pump fails, coolant cannot circulate within the cooling system, preventing the dissipation of heat generated by engine combustion. Insufficient or substandard coolant: When coolant is lacking or completely absent, there is no cooling medium in the system to transfer engine heat, leading to overheating. Additionally, modern engines operate at temperatures higher than the boiling point of water. Using water or unqualified coolant as a cooling medium can also cause engine overheating. Thermostat failure: If the thermostat fails or becomes stuck, the engine only operates in a small cooling cycle, rendering the radiator ineffective and reducing cooling efficiency, which results in engine overheating. Fan malfunction: Fan issues can arise from two main causes: physical damage to the fan itself, such as broken blades, jamming, or snapped fan belts, or control circuit failures that prevent the electric fan from receiving operation signals. Dirty radiator surface: When the radiator surface is covered with dirt, heat conduction is impaired, preventing timely heat dissipation into the air and causing engine overheating. How to handle engine overheating: Stop driving and open the engine hood to allow heat to dissipate. Cover the engine with coolant to facilitate heat removal through coolant circulation.
