Why does the engine get hot?
2 Answers
Reasons for engine overheating: 1. The fan motor is not working or the fan clutch is faulty, preventing normal cooling. 2. The three-way catalytic converter is blocked or the pipe is cracked, causing exhaust obstruction and leading to engine overheating. 3. The cooling system pipe is cracked, resulting in coolant loss and preventing normal heat dissipation. 4. Long-term use of the water pump leads to high wear, causing parts to wear and fall off. 5. If the radiator cap pressure is uneven, it can cause the spring to loosen, preventing the cap from closing tightly. 6. The thermostat cannot open or close normally, usually due to mechanical failure or incomplete filling of the cooling system, or it may be due to a difference in temperature coefficient between the new thermostat and the original one.
I once encountered an engine overheating situation during a long summer drive when the car suddenly made a hissing sound and the dashboard temperature gauge spiked. I found that this is often related to the cooling system, such as insufficient coolant or leaks, or the fan not working, leading to poor heat dissipation. Additionally, aged or deteriorated engine oil can cause lubrication failure, resulting in severe friction-generated heat. Back then, I checked and found the radiator was dirty and clogged with dust, and the coolant wasn't topped up in time, so the fan couldn't spin when the temperature rose. Now, I make it a habit to check the coolant and engine oil levels every 5,000 kilometers. If the temperature gets too high, I immediately pull over and open the hood to cool it down. Engine overheating is dangerous and can easily damage the cylinder head gasket or lead to major repairs. Addressing it early can save a lot of money.
