What are the effects of high altitude on a car?
2 Answers
High altitude mainly has the following effects on a car: 1. Impact on the car engine cooling system: The higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric pressure, and the boiling point of liquids decreases with the reduction in pressure. Therefore, the boiling point of the engine coolant decreases, and the engine cooling system is prone to 'boiling over.' 2. Impact on the car's acceleration performance and fuel economy: As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure gradually decreases, and air density becomes smaller, leading to reduced engine air intake and decreased power. For every 1000m increase in altitude, atmospheric pressure drops by approximately 11.5%, air density decreases by about 9%, and car power decreases by around 10%.
I've driven long distances to high-altitude mountainous areas a few times, and the car felt sluggish, as if its tendons had been pulled out. The thin air caused the engine to burn fuel incompletely, resulting in noticeably reduced horsepower. Accelerating uphill was particularly strenuous, and fuel consumption increased by nearly 15% compared to normal. I remember that uphill climb where I had to floor the gas pedal just to maintain speed. Additionally, the cooling system is prone to overheating at high altitudes, as the lower boiling point can lead to insufficient heat dissipation. To prevent this, I replaced the coolant with a high-quality antifreeze beforehand. Tire pressure also needs adjustment to avoid deformation or even blowouts. Safety comes first on long drives, so I learned to brake gently to prevent overheating, especially when descending steep slopes by slowing down in advance.
