What Are the Causes of High Car Engine Temperature?
2 Answers
The causes of high car engine temperature are numerous, mostly due to water pipe leakage and insufficient coolant. Common reasons include: broken fan belt, radiator or water pipe leakage, thermostat failure, engine oil leakage, etc. If the engine loses power while driving or produces severe knocking or piston slap sounds, it is mostly due to engine overheating. Solutions for high car engine temperature: 1. Touch the upper and lower water pipes to determine the fault by their temperature difference. If there is a significant temperature difference between the two pipes, it can be concluded that the thermostat is not working. If a replacement part is not immediately available, the thermostat can be temporarily removed as an emergency measure, but it should be replaced as soon as possible. 2. When noticing high engine temperature, do not turn off the engine immediately. At this time, pistons, cylinders, crankshafts, etc., are in a state of high-temperature expansion. Turning off the engine may cause soft metal to peel off, and in some cases, even lead to piston seizure.
I remember encountering a red-line coolant temperature during a long-distance drive last summer, and the inspection revealed a coolant leak. Actually, there are quite a few reasons for high engine temperature, with cooling system issues being the most common. Insufficient or leaking coolant, a broken radiator fan that doesn’t spin, or corroded water pump impellers hindering circulation can all cause engine overheating. If the radiator fins are clogged with willow catkins or bugs, or if the thermostat is stuck closed, heat can’t dissipate properly. Last time, my friend’s car had high coolant temperature, and the inspection showed a blown head gasket, with coolant mixing into the engine oil and producing white smoke. If you encounter a coolant temperature warning, never force the car to keep running—pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and wait at least half an hour before opening the hood to check fluid levels. For regular maintenance, it’s best to replace the coolant every two years, and remember to rinse the radiator grille during each car wash.
