Will High Intake Air Temperature Affect Engine Power?
2 Answers
High intake air temperature can indeed affect engine power. Elevated intake air temperature reduces the density of oxygen, which in turn leads to a decrease in engine power output. If the intake air temperature becomes excessively high, it may also cause engine knocking. Severe knocking can result in connecting rod deformation and piston fracture. Knocking is a highly detrimental abnormal combustion phenomenon in an engine. When the piston moves upward to compress the air-fuel mixture, both the pressure and temperature of the mixture increase. If the mixture ignites spontaneously before the spark plug fires, this is known as knocking. During this occurrence, the piston is moving upward while the combusting mixture exerts downward force on it, causing a reduction in engine power.
High intake temperature absolutely affects performance! I've driven many cars, and when the temperature rises, the air becomes thinner. The engine sucks in less air, leading to poorer combustion and naturally reduced power. In summer, when parked under the sun, the car feels sluggish right after starting, especially with the AC on—stepping on the gas during overtaking barely gets a response. This relates to both weather and engine design. If the air filter is dirty, it can easily overheat and consume more energy. I recommend checking the air filter regularly or parking in the shade to keep the engine bay well-ventilated, which can help alleviate the issue. Overall, if the car frequently operates in high-temperature conditions, not only does power drop, but fuel consumption also increases. Don’t slack on routine maintenance!
