What is the temperature inside a car engine compartment?
2 Answers
The temperature inside a car engine compartment ranges from 2000 to 2500 degrees Celsius. The upper part of the engine cylinder wall is between 120 to 370 degrees Celsius, while the lower part is below 150 degrees Celsius. The piston top reaches temperatures of 210 to 425 degrees Celsius, and the combustion chamber temperature is between 2000 to 2500 degrees Celsius. During operation, a car engine generates a significant amount of heat. The outer part of the cylinder is cooled by coolant and air, and engine oil also carries away some of the heat. Due to differences in working conditions and structure among various engine components, their temperatures vary. Solutions to high engine compartment temperatures include: 1. Adding coolant; 2. Adjusting the fan belt; 3. Replacing or adjusting the water pump belt or impeller; 4. Using compressed air to blow out the radiator grille; 5. Cleaning dirt from inside the engine.
The temperature inside a car's engine compartment is usually not fixed. When driving, the engine is working at full capacity, and the compartment temperature can often soar above 100 degrees Celsius, especially in summer or after high-speed driving—it gets frighteningly hot. I've experienced it before; touching the hood made me pull my hand back immediately from the heat. I recommend regularly checking the cooling system, such as ensuring there's enough coolant and that the fan is functioning properly, to avoid engine overheating and component damage. In winter, the temperature is low during the initial cold start, but it can rise to around 70-80 degrees within minutes. That's why I always wait at least half an hour after turning off the engine before opening the hood for repairs, to avoid burns from the hot air. Excessive heat can also accelerate part aging, causing rubber hoses or wires to crack, so they should be replaced promptly.
