What Are the Causes of High Temperature in Cars?
2 Answers
Engine's air charging coefficient decreases, abnormal engine combustion, engine oil deterioration, fuel supply system prone to vapor lock, and ignition system malfunction. Additional details: 1. Decrease in engine's air charging coefficient: Higher temperatures lead to lower air density, reducing the actual air intake of the engine; overheating of the engine increases the temperature under the hood, further decreasing the engine's air charging capability. The reduced air charging coefficient results in decreased engine power, causing the car to lose driving force. 2. Abnormal engine combustion: High ambient temperatures raise the temperature of the air-fuel mixture entering the cylinders, increasing the overall operating cycle temperature of the engine. Coupled with the radiator's reduced cooling efficiency, the engine becomes overheated. The end-gas mixture in the combustion chamber absorbs more heat, accelerating pre-flame reactions and increasing the likelihood of engine knocking. 3. Fuel supply system prone to vapor lock: Higher temperatures increase the temperature under the hood, making vapor lock more likely. When the fuel system heats up, some gasoline evaporates into gas, accumulating in the fuel lines and fuel pump, increasing fuel flow resistance and disrupting the vacuum created by the fuel pump during the suction stroke. This leads to insufficient or interrupted fuel supply, causing vapor lock in the fuel system. 4. Ignition system malfunction: When driving in high-temperature environments, the ignition coil can overheat, weakening the high-voltage spark and causing high-speed misfires. In severe cases, the ignition coil may burn out, affecting the car's normal operation.
What I fear most during long-distance driving is engine overheating and smoke. That time on the highway when the tire pressure warning light came on, the temperature gauge immediately shot up to red, nearly giving me a heart attack. The main causes are insufficient or leaking coolant, a radiator clogged with dust and bugs blocking airflow and preventing heat dissipation, or a thermostat stuck in the closed position preventing coolant circulation. Additionally, high ambient temperatures, like 40°C in summer without AC or enough airflow, can easily lead to overheating. If the belt is loose or broken and the water pump can't turn, it also affects the cooling system's operation. I recommend regularly checking the engine bay, cleaning the radiator, and topping up antifreeze—especially before long trips—and never skimping on maintenance to greatly avoid such dangers. If you notice the temperature rising quickly, pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool down. Never push through, or you risk engine seizure with sky-high repair costs—a lesson I learned the hard way. Remembering these tips can save your life.
