Why does the engine get very hot after driving for a while?
2 Answers
The reasons why the engine gets very hot after driving for a while are as follows: 1. Severe shortage of coolant: If the coolant is not checked and replenished in time, it can easily lead to engine overheating. 2. Water pump failure: After the water pump fails, the water that conducts heat for the engine cannot circulate and renew in time. After driving for a while, the water temperature will rise rapidly, and the water temperature warning light on the dashboard will also illuminate. 3. Cooling fan failure: The cooling fan is damaged or the fan does not work due to a short circuit in the wiring, or the cooling fan rotates slowly, preventing the engine's heat from dissipating. This causes the engine temperature to rise, and you can naturally feel a significant amount of heat when opening the engine compartment.
A while ago, I encountered a situation where the engine became scalding hot during a long-distance drive, which was quite alarming at first. It turned out to be the cooling system failing to keep up, most commonly due to insufficient coolant or a clogged radiator. This is especially noticeable when climbing hills with the air conditioning on in summer, as the engine load increases and temperatures soar. Another often-overlooked detail is that in older cars, the cooling fan might get stuck or suffer from aging wiring, resulting in insufficient fan speed. In my case, I later discovered a small crack in the coolant pipe causing a leak, and after fixing it, everything returned to normal. Now, before every long trip, I make it a habit to pop the hood and check the coolant level and fan condition—this simple routine can prevent breakdowns on the road.
