What Causes Engine Overheating?
2 Answers
Engine overheating can be caused by: 1. Malfunctioning or failed temperature control switch, poor contact in relays or circuits, blown fuse, or delayed ignition timing; 2. Poor water pump performance, loose or oil-contaminated fan belt causing slippage, insufficient or leaking coolant, or lack of oil in the silicone oil clutch; 3. Improper adjustment of the distance or angle between the fan and radiator, faulty or incorrectly installed thermostat, or improper louver opening; 4. Scaling in the water jacket, dirty radiator exterior or excessive internal deposits, delaminated or clogged inlet/outlet rubber hoses; 5. Incorrect valve timing, excessively rich or lean air-fuel mixture, incorrect fuel type, excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, or clogged muffler; 6. Excessive load, insufficient engine oil, or poor oil circulation.
Once during a long-distance drive, my car's engine suddenly triggered an overheating alarm, which gave me a real scare. I immediately pulled over to check and found the coolant level was too low, possibly due to a minor leak in the hose. The radiator surface was clogged with too much dust, blocking ventilation, and the fan wasn't working properly because of a short circuit in the motor. Additionally, the thermostat was stuck, affecting water circulation. Neglecting regular checks on these components can easily lead to trouble. Engine overheating is extremely dangerous; failing to address it promptly can cause piston deformation or even engine seizure, especially during high summer temperatures. Regular maintenance of the cooling system is truly crucial—don't wait until you're stranded on the road to regret it.
