What Causes Excessive Heat in the Front of a Car?
2 Answers
Both hub (axle head) overheating and brake drum overheating can cause excessive heat in the front of a car. Hub (Axle Head) Overheating: The hub is located at the innermost part of the brake drum, which is the axle head where the bearing is installed upon disassembly. Hub (axle head) overheating is usually caused by excessively tight bearing assembly or poor lubrication. Excessive temperature can cause the lubricating grease inside to melt and leak out, affecting braking performance, and in severe cases, it can burn out the bearing. If the axle head is overheating, caution is advised as it may indicate excessively tight or abnormal wear of the bearing inside. The wheel hub bearing is a critical component of a car's drivetrain. It is responsible for reducing friction resistance during chassis operation and maintaining normal vehicle operation. If the wheel hub bearing malfunctions, it may cause noise, bearing overheating, and other phenomena, especially more noticeable in the front wheels, which can lead to dangerous situations such as loss of steering control. Therefore, wheel hub bearings must be maintained regularly. Brake Drum Overheating: It heats up whenever the brakes are applied and is the part of the front wheel that generates the most heat. The temperature of the brake drum is related to ambient temperature, driving speed, frequency of braking, vehicle weight, and road conditions. A few brake applications can raise the temperature to 100-200 degrees, and for heavy trucks going downhill, it can even exceed 300 degrees.
Recently, the hood of my car has been getting uncomfortably hot while driving. I suspect it might be due to a few common reasons. Insufficient or old coolant could be reducing the cooling efficiency, preventing heat from dissipating properly. Another possibility is that the fan is stuck and not rotating, causing engine heat to accumulate under the hood. Alternatively, the radiator might be clogged with dust or insects blocking the grille vents, reducing airflow. Additionally, heat generated from brake or tire friction can also transfer to the hood. I must emphasize that this issue shouldn't be ignored, as prolonged overheating could lead to engine failure and costly repairs. I recommend checking the temperature gauge immediately – if it's running high, pull over and let the engine cool down. Regularly check the coolant level every two to three months, and be extra cautious during summer. Avoid driving for extended periods in hot weather; give your car breaks to ensure safe driving.
