Car Facts
How Does Heat Affects The Performance Of A Classic Internal Combustion Engine?
The internal combustion engine, whether it is gasoline or diesel, is affected by external temperatures already above 25 degrees. Problems arise or worsen above 30 degrees, especially when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees.
To understand how the external temperature affects the internal combustion engine, we must first understand how it works.
So, air is introduced inside the cylinders and fuel is injected, the mixture of which will cause an explosion that will move the pistons, generating the force needed to drive the wheels of the vehicle.
When we say that heat doesn’t help the engine run at its best, it’s because the hot air that has to enter the cylinders has less oxygen in it. In this way, the mixture inside the engine will not be ideal.
This has two direct effects on engine performance. On the one hand, the engine may suffer a loss of power, and the situation may worsen if a turbocharger assists the engine. On the other hand, fuel consumption will increase because the engine, to compensate for the lack of oxygen, will try to make the mixture richer by injecting more fuel, which reduces autonomy.
It is very important that the cooling system is functioning properly and that the coolant level is within normal limits. It is important to properly maintain the vehicle and periodically check the basic parameters and fluids. It is even better if you travel in the early hours of the morning.
