What is a common cause of overheating in an engine?

Overheating in an engine is commonly caused by low coolant levels or a malfunctioning thermostat. The coolant system plays a crucial role in regulating engine temperature by absorbing heat and dissipating it through the radiator. When the coolant level is low, there may not be enough fluid to effectively carry heat away from the engine, resulting in increased temperatures. Additionally, a malfunctioning thermostat can prevent coolant from flowing to the radiator when needed or may not open at the correct temperature, leading to overheating.

In contrast, while faulty fuel injectors, worn out spark plugs, and a damaged exhaust manifold can lead to a range of performance issues, they do not directly impact the engine's ability to manage heat the way coolant levels and thermostats do. These components affect fuel delivery and combustion efficiency but do not have a direct role in the heat management of the engine. Thus, an understanding of coolant levels and thermostat function is essential to diagnose and prevent engine overheating effectively.