In this blog article, we will discuss signs of engine overheating. The temperature of an engine is more than normal is known as the engine overheating. There are various symptoms to identify engine overheating.
There are various factors that can lead to engine overheating. The most common causes of engine overheating are damaged hoses, defective water pumps, radiator failures, coolant leaks, low coolant levels, cracked engine blocks, or blown head gaskets.
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Various Symptoms of Engine Overheating
The problem of engine overheating can be identified by various signs. The most common symptoms of engine overheating are:
- The temperature indicator is red
- Hot coolant
- Steam from the engine
- Bad acceleration
- Engine sound
- Banging noise
- Burnt smell
- Cracked engine block
- Impact head gasket
- Coolant temperature warning light
Let’s have a look at these symptoms in detail.
1. The temperature indicator is red
All cars have a thermometer. This gauge is on the dashboard of the car. Displays the engine temperature. A thermometer is one of the best and easiest ways to check engine temperature.
Under normal conditions, the temperature gauge needle stays near the center of the gauge. This indicates that the engine is operating at normal operating temperature and everything is operating normally.
However, if this needle jumps near or into the red area of the gauge, it indicates that the car engine is overheated.
2. Hot coolant
Coolant circulates in the engine. The main function of the coolant is to absorb the heat of the engine and maintain normal operating temperature.
Check the coolant. If it is hot, it means that the vehicle engine is overheated. The engine is overheating because the cooling system is not cooling the engine properly.
3. Steam from the engine
When the engine overheats, steam begins to come out of the hood. This steam is produced by a hot coolant. Indicates that the coolant is not circulating properly in the engine, the reservoir is clogged, or the radiator cap is defective. As the engine heats up, the coolant boils and begins to produce steam.
4. Bad acceleration
Decreased vehicle output is a clear sign of engine overheating. Engine performance can suffer for a variety of reasons, but engine overheating is one of the most common reasons.
When the engine overheats, the piston in the cylinder expands. This limits the range of rotation of the crankshaft. In this case, the engine cannot provide enough power to accelerate the car as needed.
It takes a long time to accelerate or the vehicle cannot accelerate to the desired speed.
5. Engine sound
A clicking sound from the engine may indicate that proper lubrication is needed to cool the moving parts of the engine. However, if the engine coolant is not flowing and is not functioning properly, the engine oil may overheat.
When the engine oil overheats, it dilutes and reduces the ability to lubricate parts. When the metal part of the motor dries, the metal part touches and makes a clicking sound.
6. Banging noise
The main function of the cooling system thermostat is to control the flow of cooling water from the valve to the radiator, ensuring the efficient operation of the engine. When this valve is clogged, the coolant returns to the engine block and turns into an overheated coolant.
When the cold coolant touches the overheated coolant, the engine room makes a loud noise. Replacing the thermostat usually resolves this issue.
7. Burnt smell
The engine contains many components made of various materials such as metal, rubber, and plastic. When the engine overheats, all these parts burn out. They also give off a very unique fiery odor that can be smelled throughout the cabin. oil can also burn and give off an odor. When you sniff it, you know that the engine is overheating.
8. Cracked engine block
Cracking the engine block is one of the main symptoms of engine overheating. Engine blocks or engine cylinders are the most common cracks due to the extreme temperature of the engine.
9. Impact head gasket
The head gasket withstands the extreme temperature and pressure of the engine. If the internal temperature of the engine exceeds the tolerance of the head gasket, it will burn or be damaged.
10. Coolant temperature warning light
Coolant temperature warning lights are one of the most important signs of engine overheating. This light indicates that the vehicle is running out of coolant due to overheating of the engine. If the coolant temperature warning light comes on, stop the engine immediately and add more coolant.