If your car’s engine is hot, there might be a problem. Check the following for clues:
-Can you turn the car off without cranking the engine?
-If you can, does the engine start easily?
-Are the cooling fans working?
-Is the radiator full?
-Do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition?
If any of these checks point to a problem, take your car to an auto mechanic. Otherwise, follow these simple steps to cool down your engine:
What Causes a Car Engine to Be So Hot?
If you own a car, then you are probably familiar with the phenomenon of the car engine being so hot that it feels uncomfortable to the touch. This is often caused by something called “engine heat soak”. Engine heat soak is when the engine’s heat radiates into the surrounding area, causing the temperature to rise. This can cause materials around the engine to overheat and potentially catch on fire.
There are a few different factors that can cause engine heat soak. One of these is air bubbles in the oil. When the oil is hot, these bubbles collapse, forming a thick layer of oil between the engine and cylinder walls. This layer of oil prevents radiant heat from escaping from the engine, creating a hot environment inside the car.
Another common cause of engine heat soak is abrasion on the engine fan blades. When this happens, microscopic pieces of metal are thrown into the air by the fan blades, where they coalesce into larger pieces. These large pieces of metal then fall back down onto the fan blade, creating more abrasion and further increasing the amount of heat soaked into the engine.
How to Fix a Car Engine That is Hot
If your car engine is hot, there are several things you can do to fix the issue. One common problem is a faulty thermostat, which can cause the engine to overheat. Other factors that can contribute to a hot engine include a blocked radiator, insufficient cooling system, or a broken fan belt. In most cases, fixing the issue will require some combination of repairs. Here are some tips to get your car engine running cooler:
1. Check the thermostat. If your car’s thermostat is malfunctioning, the engine may overheat and become hot. In order to test for a malfunctioning thermostat, remove the cap from the radiator and wait 10 minutes. If the engine cools down within that time frame, it likely has a malfunctioning thermostat. If the engine does not cool down after 10 minutes, it might be due to other problems with the cooling system or radiator, so consult a mechanic for further inspection.
2. Clear any debris from around the fan belt and pulleys. A clogged fan belt can cause excessive heat build-up in the engine because it can’t move enough air. Remove any debris that may be blocking the fan belt.
Conclusion
I hope that this article on why your car engine is so hot has helped you to understand the problem and given you some tips on how to fix it. If you have a 2005 or earlier model car, then your engine may be experiencing thermal degradation as a result of the high temperatures that are routinely reached during operation. By following these simple steps, you can help keep your engine running cooler and prolong its life.