Why does the car lose power after overheating?
3 Answers
Most cars currently use water-cooling systems. When a car engine overheats, it indicates that the mechanical assembly precision has deviated, resulting in insufficient compression and reduced power. Here are other reasons for engine power loss: 1. Intake pipe leakage: Air leakage in the intake pipe causes the air-fuel mixture to become too lean. 2. Low fuel pressure: Clogged fuel injectors or fuel filters result in reduced fuel injection or delayed fuel delivery. 3. Abnormal throttle position sensor signal: Malfunctions in sensors like the air flow meter, intake manifold absolute pressure sensor, or throttle position sensor cause insufficient fuel injection increase. 4. Faulty sensor signals: Incorrect sensor signals lead to improper ignition timing or delayed ignition. 5. Poor high-voltage components: Weak sparks caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or high-voltage wires.
The car loses power after overheating, which I've encountered several times, mainly due to issues with the engine cooling system. For example, insufficient coolant or leaks can cause the radiator to clog, the fan to stop working, and heat to not dissipate properly. When the engine overheats, the engine oil becomes thinner, reducing its lubrication effectiveness, and increasing friction between the pistons and cylinders, naturally resulting in less power. Additionally, the ECU may automatically limit power to prevent engine damage from high temperatures. Last time I went on a long drive and forgot to top up the coolant, the car felt sluggish. It's recommended to stop immediately to let the engine cool down and check the temperature gauge and fan operation. If the fan is broken, replacing it should suffice; otherwise, promptly visit a repair shop to inspect the cooling system. Otherwise, damaging the cylinder head gasket could lead to a major overhaul, costing several thousand in repair fees.
My old car loses power after overheating, and this issue is mostly caused by a failing cooling system. Insufficient or leaking coolant, a radiator clogged with dust, or a burnt-out fan motor that can't dissipate heat can all lead to poor oil performance under high temperatures, resulting in inadequate lubrication and a significant drop in horsepower. Another angle is internal engine problems, such as a blown head gasket causing weak compression or severely worn piston rings, with high temperatures exacerbating the wear. When driving uphill in hot weather or in traffic jams, the ECU will automatically reduce power and lower the RPM to protect the car. I've checked it—first by looking at the coolant level, testing if the fan spins, and ensuring the water temperature monitoring is normal. Prolonged neglect can easily lead to overheating and engine seizure, so I recommend owners develop the habit of regularly replacing coolant.
