
During summer, the actual measured temperature in the engine compartment is approximately 60~70°C. Below is a detailed introduction about automotive engines: Overview: The automotive engine is the device that provides power for vehicles, determining their power performance, fuel economy, stability, and environmental friendliness. Depending on the power source, automotive engines can be classified into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid systems, among others. Others: Common gasoline and diesel engines are both reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, capable of converting the chemical energy of fuel into the mechanical energy of piston motion and outputting power externally. Gasoline engines feature high rotational speeds, light weight, low noise, easy starting, and low manufacturing costs. Diesel engines have a high compression ratio, superior thermal efficiency, and better fuel economy and emission performance compared to gasoline engines.

Last summer, I personally measured the engine compartment temperature. It was 35°C outside, and right after parking, the temperature under the hood soared above 80°C. After driving for half an hour, the gauge needle shot up to nearly 100°C. This entirely depends on the weather and parking location. If the car is parked under direct sunlight or in a windless environment, the temperature can get absurdly high. I’ve also recorded instances where prolonged idling in congested city traffic makes overheating more likely. A reminder to everyone: don’t open the hood on hot days without gloves—it’s easy to burn yourself. Regularly checking the coolant level and radiator is crucial. I always have the mechanic top up the fluid and inspect it to prevent unexpected malfunctions that could affect driving safety. Next time you’re curious, I recommend using an infrared thermometer to measure remotely—don’t touch metal parts with your hands. Safety first.

As someone who frequently checks under the hood, I'll share some practical insights: Engine compartment temperatures typically range between 60-90°C in summer, with extreme heat days exceeding 100°C—especially noticeable in humid southern regions. Last year, I encountered a vehicle showing 110°C after direct sun exposure. Multiple factors contribute: friction and combustion continuously heat a running engine, while high environmental humidity and inefficient cooling fans worsen conditions. I recommend quarterly radiator dust cleaning, ensuring fan functionality, and preventing fluid degradation/leaks. High temperatures accelerate plastic/rubber component aging, risking battery shorts or smoke hazards. Simply put, owners should maintain cooling systems regularly, wait for slight engine cooldown before inspections, and extend component lifespan while saving fuel and repair costs.

When I was a car novice, I paid close attention to these details. Using a mobile app to measure temperatures, the engine compartment typically fluctuated around 80°C in summer. Parking outdoors under direct sunlight was the worst, with actual measurements often reaching as high as 90°C, especially for new cars with turbochargers generating extra heat. This temperature always made me feel a wave of heat when opening the hood, reminding beginners like me to regularly check the air filter for blockages to avoid affecting the cooling cycle. High temperatures can also thin out engine oil, increasing wear. Simply keeping the car in the shade and ventilating the engine during breaks can significantly lower temperatures and extend component lifespan.


