What to Do When the Engine Oil Temperature is Too High?
3 Answers
First, turn on the external circulation in the car to expel the hot air, while opening all the windows and then turning on the air conditioning. This will prevent the oil temperature from getting too high. Alternatively, mix a small amount of alcohol with a large amount of water in a certain ratio to create a spray, then spray it around the interior of the car to achieve a cooling effect.
Once while driving on the highway, my oil temperature warning light suddenly came on. I immediately slowed down, pulled over, and turned off the engine. Upon checking the dipstick under the hood, I found the oil level was low. I topped it up with spare oil, but the temperature remained high, likely due to a clogged cooling system or insufficient coolant. I always carry spare oil and antifreeze for emergencies, but that time, I had to tow the car to a repair shop. The issue turned out to be a faulty radiator fan. Ignoring high oil temperature can severely damage the engine, so I recommend cleaning the radiator fins and checking the cooling system during every service to prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs. Pay attention to dashboard changes while driving, especially during prolonged traffic jams or heavy AC use, as these conditions can lead to overheating. Taking breaks to let the car cool down is essential. Now, I maintain regular maintenance and haven’t encountered similar issues since.
As an average working-class driver, my first reaction to high oil temperature is to safely pull over. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes for it to cool down before opening the hood to check the oil level—if the dipstick shows it's below the mark, slowly add oil without spilling. Also, top up the coolant reservoir if the level is low, but avoid mixing different brands of fluids. It might be due to a broken fan or poor ventilation causing inadequate cooling; try simply clearing debris from the front grille. Driving under such conditions is risky and can easily lead to internal engine damage, resulting in expensive repairs—better to call for roadside assistance and have it towed. Regularly checking the vehicle manual for maintenance schedules, such as changing the oil every six months to ensure smooth cooling, is recommended. Developing good habits can save money and provide peace of mind.
