Does removing the engine compartment seal affect heat dissipation?

[VonAddyson]

Removing the engine compartment seal does not affect heat dissipation, as it primarily relies on chassis openings and the grille for air intake. Insufficient refrigerant: The main cause of insufficient refrigerant is usually minor leaks in the system. If there is not enough refrigerant in the air conditioning system, the amount of refrigerant sprayed into the evaporator from the expansion valve will also decrease. As a result, when the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, the amount of heat absorbed will correspondingly decrease. Moisture infiltration in the refrigeration system: If moisture enters the air conditioning refrigeration system, it can lead to insufficient cooling. There is a component in the refrigeration system called the dryer (or receiver-drier), whose main function is to absorb moisture from the refrigerant.

[Norah]

As a car enthusiast who frequently tinkers with the engine bay, removing the sealing strip does affect heat dissipation. This component is primarily designed to prevent dust and water ingress, ensuring the engine operates smoothly in damp or dusty environments. If you remove it, airflow improves, allowing hot air to escape more easily, which might slightly enhance cooling. However, don’t just focus on the benefits—dust and moisture can quickly infiltrate, accumulating on engine components and accelerating wear and failure over time. I tried it during summer, and while cooling improved slightly, within weeks the air filter was filthy, leading to higher repair costs. In summary, modifying a car isn’t just about the perks; you need to weigh the risks. If cooling is a concern, checking the fan or cooling system first is a smarter move.

[HopeLee]

From my perspective as a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, removing the engine bay sealing strip requires caution. In my younger days, I loved tinkering with cars. After removing it, there was indeed some improvement in heat dissipation—the engine ran noticeably cooler during long-distance drives. But the drawbacks were significant: the dustproof and waterproof functions were lost. On rainy days, water would leak in as soon as I started driving, making ignition difficult when the engine got wet. Plus, a lot of dust accumulated in the gaps. Within just a few months, trouble codes started popping up, and repairs became a hassle. Experience has taught me that automakers design these seals for a reason—they’re not there to hinder heat dissipation but to ensure overall durability. If you really want to optimize cooling, it’s better to regularly clean the radiator or upgrade the coolant instead of tampering with core protective components like sealing strips.

[DianaLee]

As a young car owner who enjoys DIY modifications, I tried removing the weather stripping theoretically to improve cooling by widening the air circulation path for better engine heat dissipation. However, in reality, while cooling improved slightly, dust accumulated extremely fast—soon the spark plugs got dirty and triggered warnings. Not worth it. I reinstalled it later. My advice: don't remove it randomly; its dust-proof function is significant.