What Causes Severe Overheating in Cars?
2 Answers
Severe overheating in cars can be attributed to the following reasons: Battery overheating: The efficiency of converting electrical energy into chemical energy is 50%, with most of the remaining 50% released as heat, causing the battery to overheat. Batteries have internal resistance, which increases as the charge decreases. According to P=I×I×R, the power consumed by internal resistance is also converted into heat, leading to battery overheating. Continuous charging: After the battery is fully charged, continued charging means that electrical energy is almost no longer converted into chemical energy but almost entirely into heat, causing the battery to overheat. Additional information: Precautions: If severe battery overheating occurs, it indicates self-discharge and overheating, suggesting an internal short circuit in the battery's plates, meaning the battery has reached its end-of-life limit.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've encountered severe car overheating issues multiple times. The most troublesome is engine overheating, often caused by cooling system failures - insufficient or leaking coolant, malfunctioning fans, or stuck thermostats can all cause temperature spikes. Once during a summer road trip, the dashboard warning light came on and I discovered a blown fan fuse; replacing it solved the problem. Blockages in the water circulation system can also impair cooling. Untreated overheating can easily lead to engine damage at great cost. I recommend regularly checking radiator fluid levels, fan operation, and belt wear. If severe overheating occurs, stop the vehicle immediately and let it cool down. While seemingly minor, this issue can cause major problems, so prompt professional inspection is strongly advised.
