What are the symptoms of high engine temperature?
2 Answers
Engine overheating manifests through the following symptoms: 1. Insufficient engine power. 2. The coolant temperature gauge needle reaches the red zone. 3. Exceptionally high temperature in the engine compartment accompanied by a burnt rubber smell. 4. Overflow tank spewing steam or swollen expansion tank boiling over. Causes of engine overheating include: 1. Insufficient coolant in the cooling system: Park the vehicle and add coolant after the engine cools down. 2. Loose or broken water pump/fan belt: Visit a repair shop for component replacement. 3. Clogged radiator: Replace the radiator guard or remove debris. 4. Substandard engine oil quality: Simply replace with high-quality engine oil.
I remember driving for many years, and high engine temperature is a common issue. The first sign is the temperature warning light on the dashboard, usually a small red or orange icon, which is alarming at a glance. The temperature gauge needle will soar into the red zone or high-temperature range. Steam or white smoke may rise from under the hood, indicating the coolant is boiling, hot like a steamer. The radiator fan makes a loud noise when running at high speed, buzzing continuously. While driving, you might feel the car lacks power, acceleration is sluggish when pressing the gas pedal, and climbing hills becomes difficult. In severe cases, the engine may produce metallic knocking or detonation sounds, and a burning smell might drift into the cabin. I once experienced a sudden high temperature on the highway and immediately pulled over to shut off the engine—fortunately, timely action prevented engine damage. Regular maintenance checks on coolant and the radiator are key to prevention.