SUMMER
Excessive Engine Heat
Today, car manufacturers must build cars under strict controls defined by the
EPA standards, which require better fuel efficiency and lower exhaust emissions.
One significant way they have complied is to manufacture engines with more
aluminum, which is much lighter than the material of old, cast iron. The use of
aluminum lowers the vehicle’s overall weight, thus decreasing fuel consumption.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that aluminum has a lower melting point
than cast iron, so it is not as forgiving when exposed to excessive heat. The catch
is that in order to achieve low exhaust emissions, the engine must run at high
temperatures. Factor into the equation the high temperatures of summer with the
possibility of a coolant leak and you have engine meltdown. That’s why it is
critical that you maintain the cooling system.