Is it normal for the car hood to remain hot hours after turning off the engine?

[DelRafael]

It is normal for the car hood to feel hot hours after the engine is turned off if the car has been exposed to direct sunlight. Below is some relevant information about engine stalling: Reasons for stalling: Automatic transmission models rarely experience stalling, while manual transmission models may stall frequently due to poor driving skills. However, automatic transmission cars can also stall, often caused by using low-quality fuel, leading to engine carbon buildup and stalling. Precautions: For automatic transmission cars, stalling is mainly caused by using substandard fuel. It is advisable to refuel at reputable, large gas stations with higher-grade fuel, such as 97-octane gasoline. Although more expensive, it ensures longer vehicle lifespan and better driving performance.

[DeKate]

From my driving experience, how long the car hood stays hot after turning off the engine really depends on the situation. During scorching summers, after driving on the highway for two hours and turning off the engine, the hood would still be too hot to touch, taking three to four hours to cool down completely, especially in windless parking lots where it takes even longer. Winters are much better, with the hood cooling down in about half an hour. The age of the car also plays a role—my ten-year-old Buick stays hot for much longer, probably due to decreased radiator efficiency. For short daily drives, cooling down within one or two hours is normal, but it's different if the engine has just been under heavy load. Ambient temperature is absolutely crucial; when I lived by the southern coast, the heat lingered even longer.

[DelPiper]

From a mechanical perspective, after the engine is turned off, the heat is gradually dissipated by the cooling system. The radiator, fan, and airflow all play a role. Under normal conditions, the temperature can drop to a safe range within an hour, but complete cooling may take one or two hours. The fan may continue to spin for a while after stopping to assist in cooling. If the cooling system is ineffective or the car has just been driven hard, the heat may persist longer. I've listened in on auto repair sessions, and engine materials like aluminum alloys dissipate heat quickly, while cast iron retains heat longer, leading to prolonged warmth. External wind speeds up cooling, while a stationary environment or hot days can extend the heat retention time. Don’t worry too much unless the engine remains unusually hot for more than six hours, then it’s time to check for issues.

[JulianMarie]

Seasons and locations change everything. When I lived in the north with winter temperatures at -10°C, the car hood would cool down within ten minutes after driving for half an hour and turning off the engine. But after moving to the south with summer highs of 40°C, the hood stays hot like a furnace even two hours after driving. Urban areas with more pollution heat up and cool down slower, while clear mountain areas cool faster. High humidity traps heat, like during the humid spring when the car stays hot longer. Occasionally parking under the scorching sun, the hood still feels warm after three hours. Normally, it shouldn’t take more than three hours to cool down, and short trips make it cool even faster. Remember to wait until it cools before washing and maintaining the car.