What Causes High Car Temperatures in Summer?
4 Answers
The causes of high car temperatures include a non-functioning radiator fan, poor radiator cooling performance, and insufficient coolant. Details are as follows: Radiator fan not rotating: The simplest way to check if the radiator fan is functioning properly is to turn on the vehicle's air conditioning cooling system. If the air conditioning compressor has started but the fan still doesn't operate, the fan is definitely malfunctioning. Poor radiator cooling performance: This situation often occurs during April and May when there is an abundance of willow catkins and cotton fluff. To check, simply open the engine hood and observe if there is excessive debris trapped in the radiator located behind the bumper. If the radiator is severely clogged, it needs to be cleaned at a repair shop. Insufficient coolant: This is a relatively easy condition to observe. Just open the engine compartment and check if the coolant level meets the required specifications. Poor water pump performance: The water pump belt may sometimes slip or spin idly due to prolonged use. The main characteristic of this issue is that normal operation resumes after pressing the accelerator and maintaining it for a period of time.
The car gets extremely hot in summer, mainly due to a combination of factors: intense sunlight outside, which causes the temperature inside the car to rise rapidly if the car is dark-colored or parked in an open area without shade; the air conditioning system often underperforms, such as insufficient refrigerant, compressor wear, or a malfunctioning fan, significantly reducing cooling efficiency; then there's the issue of engine heat dissipation—clogged radiators, insufficient coolant, or a faulty water pump can prevent heat from escaping, causing the car to overheat; it also relates to ventilation through windows, as being stuck in traffic with no airflow traps heat inside. When driving, I make sure to turn on the AC in advance, park in the shade, and regularly check cooling components at the shop. These methods help a lot, preventing discomfort and frustration from the heat while driving.
In summer, cars turning into ovens are often related to cooling system failures: Firstly, a radiator clogged with dust and an inflexible fan clutch can't blow air effectively, trapping heat in the engine bay; coolant leaks or aging reduce its quantity, leading to insufficient cooling; a water pump operating poorly causes poor water flow, increasing heat buildup. For the AC, a dirty filter or a faulty compressor can prevent cold air from coming out; interior factors also contribute, like seat materials absorbing heat quickly or direct sunlight through untinted windows. I recommend checking the radiator and cleaning the fan during every maintenance session—don't wait for a breakdown to fix it. For daily parking, choose underground garages where temperatures are at least 10 degrees lower, ensuring safety and comfort, especially during long trips when regular checks are essential to avoid tire blowouts.
In summer, cars have multiple heat sources: the hot weather and direct sunlight cause rapid heat transfer through the body; air conditioning failures, such as non-rotating fans or insufficient cooling; engine overheating due to clogged radiators or coolant leaks; poor parking habits like leaving the car under direct sunlight without shade or forgetting to turn on the internal circulation leading to poor ventilation; and leather seats that also retain heat. Before getting in the car, I always pre-cool the air conditioning, apply sunshade films, and regularly check the coolant level to prevent engine damage from high temperatures. This method is simple and effective, making the ride cooler.
