What potential issue does a blocked radiator cause?

A blocked radiator significantly hampers the cooling system's ability to dissipate heat from the engine. This leads to inadequate heat exchange, causing the engine to overheat. The radiator's primary function is to cool the engine coolant after it has absorbed heat from the engine. When it is obstructed, either by debris or corrosion, the flow of coolant is restricted, preventing it from efficiently removing heat. An overheated engine can lead to severe damage, including warped cylinder heads or even engine failure, which is a critical issue for vehicle performance and longevity.

While the other options address important vehicle functions, they do not directly relate to the consequences of a blocked radiator. For instance, reduced fuel efficiency usually results from issues in the fuel system or engine tuning, improper oil circulation pertains to oil flow problems separate from the cooling system, and increased tire wear is often linked to alignment or suspension issues rather than cooling system malfunctions.