What Are the Causes of Overheating Engine Temperature?
2 Answers
Causes of overheating engine temperature: 1. Insufficient coolant leading to overheating—simply open the engine hood and check the coolant level. If the coolant level is below the "MIN" line, it indicates the coolant is too low; 2. A dirty radiator causing high temperature—excessive dust accumulation in the engine compartment due to long-term neglect can impair the radiator's cooling efficiency, resulting in overheating; 3. A faulty thermostat causing high temperature—open the engine hood and touch the radiator's inlet and outlet pipes to check for a temperature difference. If a temperature difference exists, it indicates the thermostat is malfunctioning and failing to operate properly, leading to overheating.
Once during a long road trip, my car's temperature gauge suddenly shot up to the red zone, which scared me into pulling over immediately. Upon inspection, I found the coolant was low, possibly due to a minor radiator leak I hadn't noticed. Later at the repair shop, the mechanic said the thermostat was stuck closed, preventing coolant circulation. Other common causes include a failed water pump unable to move fluid, or a non-functioning fan leading to poor heat dissipation. This is especially prone to happen during scorching summer days or in stop-and-go traffic when the system is under heavy load. Overheating can mildly damage the engine at best, or cause catastrophic engine seizure at worst - extremely dangerous. I've learned to routinely check coolant levels for leaks, observe fan operation at startup, as these small habits can prevent major issues. If overheating occurs, immediately turn off the AC, reduce speed, and pull over to await assistance.
