Why Do Cars Overheat?

[chris_knows]

I'm just wondering, what's wrong with an engine getting too hot? Suppose all the rubber belts were replaced with metal chains, and the radiator were removed. I'm thinking that unless the lubrication can't work (catches fire) at temperatures that high, or the engine is inefficient because the air gets too hot, but there could be ways around that, right?

[Bubba]

Well the metal itself is not impervious to heat. If there's no cooling, stuff will warp, expand, seize up, cylinder head will crack, etc.

[chris_knows]

Originally Posted by Bubba

Well the metal itself is not impervious to heat. If there's no cooling, stuff will warp, expand, seize up, cylinder head will crack, etc.

I see...I was thinking since jet engines run at really high temperatures, car engines would be made of similar materials, but looking back, that sounds kinda ridiculous lol

[newyorker]

The "temp" gauge in your car is your water/coolant temperature. Oil can start to burn at higher temps (performance and synthetic oils combat this).