How long will it take for the engine to seize after the water temperature reaches 100?
2 Answers
After the engine water temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius, driving for 1 to 2 kilometers may cause engine seizure. Below are specific details about engine seizure: 1. Engine temperature: The normal operating temperature of a car engine ranges between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius, while some high-performance engines may operate around 100 degrees Celsius. 2. Methods to identify engine seizure: Significant loss of vehicle power, abnormal water temperature, high-temperature readings or even boiling after starting the engine, increased exhaust emissions, and blue smoke from the tailpipe. 3. Common faults: Engine seizure is one of the common faults in car engines, referring to deep grooves being formed on the cylinder walls, causing the piston, piston rings, and cylinder walls to lose their sealing ability during friction, leading to reduced cylinder compression pressure and loss of power.
I've been driving for over a decade and encountered many instances of rising engine temperature. Generally, normal engine operating temperature is around 90 degrees Celsius. If it surges above 100 degrees, that's a serious problem. Overheating can damage internal engine components - pistons and cylinder walls may fuse together, causing cylinder scoring. From my experience, this can happen in just minutes, especially during highway driving in summer. Once, a friend's car exceeded 100 degrees and seized within 15 minutes, costing over ten thousand yuan in repairs. My advice is to pull over immediately for inspection - low coolant or a stuck fan could be the cause. Shut off the engine promptly to cool it down, and preferably call professional mechanics. Develop the habit of monitoring the temperature gauge regularly, and don't ignore prolonged driving when overheating occurs, as risks increase significantly.
