Is an intake air temperature of 60 degrees Celsius normal for a car?
2 Answers
An intake air temperature of 60 degrees Celsius is abnormal. The intake air temperature of a car does not need to be very high; it should be maintained between 10 to 50 degrees Celsius. When the engine is cold, the signal from the intake air temperature sensor is basically the same as that from the engine coolant temperature sensor. When the engine is warm, its signal voltage is approximately 2 to 3 times that of the coolant temperature sensor. More information about intake air temperature is as follows: 1. Intake air temperature sensor: It is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. When the temperature rises, the resistance decreases, and when the temperature drops, the resistance increases. The change in resistance in the circuit leads to a change in voltage, thereby generating different voltage signals to complete the automatic operation of the control system. 2. Classification: Commonly used temperature sensors include five types: thermistor, thermocouple, thermistor ferrite, transistor type, and integrated type. With the development of automotive electronic control technology, the application of temperature sensors has become increasingly widespread. Examples include coolant temperature sensors, air temperature sensors, transmission oil temperature sensors, exhaust gas temperature sensors (catalyst temperature sensors), EGR monitoring temperature sensors, outside temperature sensors, inside temperature sensors, solar radiation temperature sensors, evaporator outlet temperature sensors, thermal switches, etc. Generally, methods such as using a multimeter to measure voltage or resistance can be employed for quick detection of temperature sensors.
I've driven quite a few cars before, and an intake air temperature of 60 degrees is slightly on the high side. Typically, the ideal range should be between 30 to 50 degrees, depending on the weather and car model. In hot summer weather, it might rise to over 50 degrees, but 60 degrees could indicate a system issue, such as a dirty air filter restricting airflow or a faulty sensor giving incorrect readings. I've encountered similar situations before—high temperatures can cause incomplete combustion in the engine, leading to reduced power and increased fuel consumption while driving. It's crucial to pay extra attention to avoid engine damage. If you're stuck in city traffic or idling for extended periods, the temperature might rise a bit, but if it consistently stays at 60 degrees, I'd recommend taking it to a professional repair shop for inspection. Replacing the air filter or fixing the faulty components should resolve the issue—don't skimp on small repairs and risk bigger problems.
