How Long Does It Take for an Engine to Be Damaged by Overheating?

[CaliMarie]

There is no fixed time for engine damage due to overheating, as it depends on the quality of the engine. However, prolonged high temperatures can significantly reduce the lifespan of a car, so it is not advisable to let the engine overheat. Negative effects of engine overheating: 1. **Decrease in Engine Power**: When a car operates in temperatures above 35°C (95°F), with a tailwind or under heavy load at low speeds, engine overheating becomes more severe. This further reduces the engine's air intake efficiency, leading to a decrease in the amount of fresh air-fuel mixture entering the cylinders. As a result, the average effective pressure in the cylinders drops, causing a decline in engine power. 2. **Increased Fuel Consumption**: At excessively high temperatures, lubricating oil that enters the cylinders can form carbon deposits under high-temperature, low-oxygen conditions. These deposits accumulate on the piston crown, combustion chamber walls, valve heads, and spark plugs, creating hot spots. This can lead to abnormal combustion, potentially causing deformation, cracks, or warping of the engine block and cylinder head. It may also damage the cylinder head gasket, reducing cylinder pressure at the end of compression and increasing fuel consumption. 3. **Increased Component Wear**: High temperatures cause lubricating oil to oxidize and degrade, forming sludge and deposits that adhere to piston rings, cylinder walls, and other friction surfaces, reducing heat dissipation. The viscosity of the oil decreases, oil pressure drops, and lubrication deteriorates. Under impact loads, the strength of the oil film on the cylinder walls weakens, accelerating wear on engine components.