What Are the Reasons for the Car Radiator Not Heating Up and the Engine Overheating?
2 Answers
Car radiator not heating up and engine overheating may be caused by insufficient engine coolant, faulty water temperature sensor or gauge, or prolonged overloading of the vehicle. Below is a detailed introduction about car engines: 1. Overview: The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, determining its power, economy, stability, and environmental performance. Depending on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrids, among others. 2. Others: Common gasoline and diesel engines belong to reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, which convert the chemical energy of fuel into the mechanical energy of piston movement to output power. Gasoline engines have high rotational speeds, are lightweight, produce less noise, start easily, and have lower manufacturing costs. Diesel engines have a higher compression ratio, better thermal efficiency, and superior economic and emission performance compared to gasoline engines.
While driving on the highway, I encountered a situation where the radiator was ice-cold but the engine temperature soared, which often indicates a cooling system issue. The most common cause is a stuck thermostat that fails to open, preventing coolant from flowing out of the engine bay to the radiator for cooling. If the water pump is faulty and not pumping effectively, it can lead to poor fluid circulation. A non-functioning fan is even worse, such as due to a short circuit or motor failure, resulting in a lack of heat dissipation. Internal radiator blockages or pipe leaks can also cause heat buildup. Once during a long summer drive, my temperature gauge spiked, and I had to pull over immediately to find the fan belt broken and coolant completely leaked. Failing to address this promptly can damage engine gaskets or even warp the cylinders. Preventive measures include checking the coolant level every six months, replacing the fluid regularly, and maintaining the system to avoid such troubles. Remember, if any abnormality occurs while driving, slow down, pull over, and check the dashboard gauges.
