Engine Overheating: Signs and How to Prevent

Engines are entrusted with various services that significantly improve our lives. So, if an engine malfunctions, it can be a distressing ordeal.

Engine overheating is a common and potentially serious issue that requires prompt action. Thus, understanding the causes and warning signs of an overheated engine is essential for all engine or vehicle owners.

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What Causes Overheating of Engines?

While several factors trigger engine overheating, it is indispensable to know what causes overheating of engines to solve a problem.

Faulty Thermostat: Thermostats are the temperature regulators of an engine. It comprises ethylene glycol, which is a cooling compound that flows through an engine whenever prompted. Overheating an engine above 95-110 degrees Celcius stimulates the thermostat, and it opens its valve allowing the coolant to flow through the engine. A broken thermostat is usually a culprit that causes engine overheating since it is unable to open the valve on time.

Insufficient Oil: Oil plays an indispensable role as a lubricant, and prevents overheating of engines. However, a leaky gasket allows the oil to flow through places where it undergoes a combustion process. As a result, the engine suffers from insufficient oil and undergoes rapid friction. Friction, as all know, is one of the key generators of engine overheating.
Faulty Head Gasket: A head gasket lies between a cylinder and an engine block. Its role is to expand to seal different compartments of the engine. In certain scenarios, where a driver of a vehicle does not warm up the engines before driving, the coolant can leak into the oil circulating system. This forms a sludge that generates heat in an engine.
Air in the Engine’s Cooling System: A cooling system is often susceptible to damage by the built-up of air pockets. While the system remains shut, they may gradually develop air pockets that block the coolant flow. Air often acts as a culprit while pushing away the coolant into a reservoir. Consequently, engine overheating becomes bothersome for you and detrimental to your engine’s components.
Defective Radiator Fan: Once a coolant completes its task of heat absorption, it passes through a radiator. A radiator comprises a fan that dissipates the heat to the surrounding air, thereby reducing the coolant's temperature. However, a faulty radiator fan cannot perform this step which adds to engine overheating.
Damaged Expansion Tank: An expansion tank expands the cooling system depending on the temperature and pressure. However, a defective expansion tank may not be able to adequately regulate the pressure, thereby causing engine overheating.

What Are the Signs of Engine Overheating?

Engines are engineered with attention to every minute detail. So, you may be able to detect the signs of overheating in an engine in the following ways.

Temperature Gauge: A temperature gauge is an in-built system that enables you to assess your engine's temperature. This gauge goes all the way to the 'red' zone, signifying engine overheating while prompting you to take immediate action. You must note that this reading is symbolic of a dangerously hot engine.
Smoke: Overwhelmingly hot engine temperature produces smoke, vapour, or steam. Additionally, smoke with an unusually pungent odour signifies overheating of your engine. In such cases, you must immediately stop your vehicle or engine and allow it to cool down to avoid further catastrophic damage.
Strange Noises: As we know, oil is the lifeline of an engine. However, engine overheating degrades the oil's lubrication potentiality. As a result, your engine receives insufficient oil and undergoes persistent friction, thereby making clunking noises. With consistent friction, your engine further loses its functionality.
Operational Hassles: Engines require an optimal air/fuel balance to ensure hassle-free functioning. We know that cold air is thicker and denser than warm air and allows better engine performance. However, engine overheating disrupts the air/fuel balance, thereby alleviating the acceleration capacity of an engine.

What Can You Do When Your Engine is Overheated?

Despite utmost attention and strict monitoring, engines may experience overheating. You may follow these tips to control the situation.

Switch Off the Air Conditioning: Air conditioning draws power from the engine while operating, thereby increasing the engine load. This makes the engine work harder, making it exceptionally warm. So, switching off the air conditioning system can mitigate the engine load and reduce the chances of engine catastrophes.

Turn On the Heater and Fan: While turning on the heater and fan to their highest levels might sound contradictory to the situation, they allow the engine to 'breathe’. The heater and the fan team up to expel the heat from the engine thus alleviating the intensity of engine overheating.

Add Water to the Cooling System: You can add water or antifreeze to the coolant system to temporarily minimise engine overheating. However, you must carefully handle the radiator cap and cover it up with a rag to cut down the chances of potential steam burns.

Stop the Car: If the temperature gauge continues to go up, you need to momentarily stop your car. Park your car safely in a location and wait for it to cool down. This would prevent potentially serious consequences. However, you need to contact an expert mechanic to address this issue.

How to Prevent an Engine From Overheating?

Here are some common prevention steps that one can adopt for stopping engine from overheating:

Check & Maintain Fluid Levels: You can proactively check the coolant level from time to time, which prevents engine overheating to some level. Once can check the radiator to check this level; however, if you have been driving, allow the engine to cool down before checking the radiator.

Regulate Temperature: Car owners or drivers must keep a close eye on the temperature guage while driving for long hours. If the temperature increases on the gauges, try to pull over the car to prevent excessive overheating.

Prevent Excessive Usage of Air Conditioner: Drivers are always recommended to skip turning on the air conditioner of a vehicle and instead choose the option of their windows down. Excessive usage of air conditioner puts immense stress on the health of your car’s engine, causing overheating.

To conclude, engine overheating is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. While it is a common hassle that most people face, prompt action and regular care can prevent overheating of engines. It is important to understand that despite extraordinary technology, engines are regularly subjected to complications.

FAQs About Engine Overheating

All

How long does it take for an engine to cool down?

It takes around 30 minutes for an engine to cool down, allowing you to safely handle it. However, it is safer to take the help of a professional who has expertise in this field.

Does hot weather increase the chances of engine overheating?

Yes, the probability of an engine overheating certainly increases during hot weather. The warm air around an engine exerts additional pressure on the cooling system, thereby making it overwhelmingly hot.

Can driving in high altitudes cause engine overheating?

Yes, driving in higher altitudes often leads to engine overheating. The steep slopes put extra pressure on an engine causing it to generate more heat. Besides, the air molecules become thinner, causing the coolant system to function inadequately.

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