What Causes Engine Seizure?
2 Answers
Engine seizure is caused by: 1. Design flaws that cause the engine temperature to exceed its tolerable limit; 2. Poor quality or malfunctioning engine oil, leading to severe cooling issues; 3. Overuse resulting in excessive engine workload; 4. Inaccurate intake/exhaust system or ignition timing. Engine seizure occurs when the tachometer enters the red zone, where pistons expand due to overheating and get stuck in the cylinders, causing engine failure. In severe cases, excessive pressure with immobilized pistons may lock all four wheels and result in intense flames. Preventive measures include: 1. Applying glaze to the paint surface to protect it from direct exposure; 2. Parking in shaded areas to avoid prolonged sunlight exposure and opening the hood for ventilation and cooling.
I've run a repair shop for over thirty years and have seen too many cases of engine seizure. The main causes include insufficient or degraded engine oil leading to inadequate lubrication, causing pistons to overheat and burn due to friction; issues with the cooling system, such as water pump failure or radiator blockage, leading to engine overheating, expansion, and deformation; overloading is also common, especially when towing heavy loads at high speeds for extended periods, increasing internal pressure. Additionally, spark plug failure can cause knocking, directly damaging the cylinder walls; poor maintenance like prolonged intervals between oil changes or clogged oil passages accelerates wear. Once an engine seizes, repair costs can be exorbitant and may damage other components. That's why I always advise car owners to regularly check oil levels and coolant temperature, change the oil every 5,000 kilometers, and avoid aggressive driving habits. With proper maintenance, the engine's lifespan naturally extends, and driving becomes more worry-free.
