Car Engine

How To Protect Wires From Engine Heat?

Mike Cross
Updated Sep 13, 2021
How-To-Protect-Wires-From-Engine-Heat

The electrical system of your car is vast. There are wires used to connect everything from windshield wipers to the alternator and everything else in between. Without this electrical system, you would have a lot of difficulty running your car.

All of the wires in the electrical system connect in the engine. This is the hub from where they get the power needed to work their various functions. The wires in your car’s electrical system can break down due to heat, as well as extreme cold and dirt and debris.

There are several measures you can take to help ensure the safety of your car’s wiring. It does not matter if you have a new car, a restored classic car, or a refurbished car. You want to make sure that your car stays in the best possible shape. Here are some steps you can take to help protect this vital component of your car’s electrical system.

It does not seem like it should be a big deal if the wires get hot. Most of the time you do not even think about this. However, the wiring in your electrical system is very important. If those wires overheat, they can melt and fuse together. When this happens, you will have trouble starting your car or having it run correctly.

There is also the chance that burned out wires could actually start a fire under the hood.

How-To-Protect-Wires-From-Engine-Heat
How To Protect Wires From Engine Heat?

What products will I need to protect my wiring?

There are several products you can use to protect your car’s electrical wiring from engine heat. You can use them individually or all together. These items are: plastic split loom, aluminum tape, fiberglass wraps, a hood liner, and sleeve kits. You can also use zip-ties.

What can you do to protect your wires?

1. Zip-ties

One of the easiest steps to take is to make sure that the wires are contained and not touching any hot surfaces. You will need to make sure that the wires are properly secured. This will help prevent them from getting cut, being worn down or overheated from touching hot parts of the engine.

Most cars should already come with this step taken. You can check this yourself quite easily. Simply pop the hood and take a look. You should make sure that all wiring is securely fastened. If it isn't, you can do this easily with some zip-ties. Zip-ties are inexpensive and available just about anywhere.

2. Insulation sleeves

This item is exactly what it sounds like. It is an insulation sleeve that is designed to slip over the wires. The insulation in the sleeve will protect the wires from the extreme heat of the car’s engine.

These sleeves do not just go over the wires. They can also be placed over any covering that is already in place. In this way, the sleeve provides an extra layer of insulation.

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3. Watch out for sharp edges

If the wires are near sharp edges or fiberglass, you need to be careful that the wires are not cut or frayed. It is a good idea to have them go through a grommet to protect them. If you notice that the cover of a wire has become damaged or frayed, be sure to cover it with electrical tape. This will help prevent the damage from becoming worse.

4. Routine Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep ahead of any potential problem is with routine maintenance. Regularly inspecting your car under the hood will let you know if there is a developing problem. Being able to catch a problem while it is still small means that it will be relatively easier for you to fix it.

How to choose the right wire protection?

How to choose the right wire protection?
How to choose the right wire protection?

You should look under the hood and take your driving into account when trying to determine the best options for wire protection.

Most cars are equipped with factory hood liners and wiring ties to properly secure them. You should consider adding additional protection if you tend to be harder on your engine. It is the heat generated from the engine that is a concern.

If you notice wiring that is starting to fray or show signs of damage, you might want to take steps to fix it. It is a good idea to replace the wiring first, if necessary. Then you can take additional steps to protect the wires with insulated sleeves.

Points to Remember

All cars have wiring. It is a crucial component of the car’s electrical system. If you have a problem with the wiring, you could have trouble running your car.

The car’s engine generates a lot of heat. If the wires are too close to the heat it can cause them to melt or fuse together. Bits of debris can also get stuck in the as well.

Wires that are not secured properly can touch this excessive heat. This will cause the wires to melt. If you notice this, you may have to replace the wires.

Regularly looking under the hood of your car will help keep you familiar with the parts and ensure that you notice a problem immediately.

To help protect your wires, you can take a few steps. It is possible to use zip-ties to make sure that wires are securely fastened and out of the way. You can also use sleeves. This will be a type of insulation that will slip over the wire and any existing insulation that might be there. It gives the wires an extra layer of insulation.

Final Thoughts

Most cars today are already equipped with hood liners and have the wires securely fastened. It is possible though, for parts to become damaged and worn. It is a good idea to protect your car’s wires since they are vital for helping your car to run smoothly. Just a few minutes every few weeks can go a long way towards ensuring a safe and easy drive.

Mike Cross
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