Here are the main causes of this condition, along with recommendations from international experts on how to prevent it.
Refrigeration system is ineffective
One of the most common causes of overheating engines is a failed or ineffective cooling system. When the cooling solution (cooliding water) is depleted, leaked, or the heat transmission is lost due to long-term failure to replace it, the ability to regulate temperature in the engine compartment is significantly reduced.
High outdoor temperatures make cooling systems work at higher intensity than normal, said John Walters, a member of the Association of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (SAE - USA). If the water cabin is blocked or the cooling fan is broken, the risk of overheating will double, especially when the vehicle is operating in traffic jams or climbing steep mountain slopes".
Deteriorated engine oil
Engine oil acts as a lubricant and local coolant for the engine parts. However, in high environmental temperatures, the oil tends to thrive faster, losing the necessary viscosity, reducing the cooling effect.
If drivers use an oil that is not suitable for the summer or do not replace it regularly, the protective layer between the details will be broken. The increase in friction creates more heat, leading to abnormal engine heat, Walters said.
Dusty or damaged grille
A radiator is responsible for transferring heat from the cooling solution to the outside environment. However, if the surface of this part is dirty, or the output wing is distorted due to impact, the heat exchange is significantly reduced.
In addition, if the water bucket cap is open or the internal pressure valve is faulty, the pressure in the system is unstable, which will also lead to the phenomenon of boiling water to cool, a typical sign of overheating.
Maximum operating conditioning
In the summer, air conditioners often have to operate at high capacity to cool the cabin. This indirectly increases the load on the engine, causing the engine temperature to increase faster, especially on small cars with limited capacity.
This is an easy factor to ignore. When the air conditioner is at full capacity, the water air vents and air conditioners can suck in a large amount of hot air into the airframe, increasing heat pressure, Mr. Walters explained.
Some preventive notes
To prevent engine overheating, experts recommend that users should:
- Check and replace the cooling water periodically (usually every 40,000 - 60,000 km or as recommended by the manufacturer).
- Maintain the cooling system, clean the water tank, check the cooling fans, curoa and heat valves daily.
- Use engine oil suitable for the summer (usually with a higher viscosity index).
- Avoid leaving the vehicle on the engine for long periods of time when stopping at red lights in the harsh sun or when climbing steep slopes.
- Monitor the temperature warning on the central meter to promptly handle any unusual signs.
