What can cause engine overheating?

Engine overheating can be caused by a variety of factors, and one of the primary causes is a faulty thermostat or an issue within the cooling system. The thermostat plays a crucial role in regulating the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. If the thermostat is stuck closed, it prevents coolant from circulating through the engine, leading to an increase in temperature. Additionally, if there are cooling system issues such as a leak, a blocked radiator, or a malfunctioning water pump, the engine may not dissipate heat effectively, resulting in overheating.

While high-speed driving and low engine oil levels may contribute to engine strain and potential overheating, they are not direct causes like the cooling system malfunctions are. High-speed driving can increase engine load, but it's the cooling system's ability to manage that heat which ultimately determines engine temperature. Low oil levels can lead to insufficient lubrication, resulting in increased friction and heat generation, but again, the direct mechanism for overheating is usually linked to coolant management. Exhaust system improvements generally do not affect engine cooling directly and may even, in some cases, improve performance without causing overheating issues. Thus, a faulty thermostat or problems in the cooling system present the most significant risk for overheating.