What can excessively high engine temperatures lead to?

Excessively high engine temperatures can lead to a loss of power and excessive oil consumption because the engine components may undergo thermal stress and degradation. When an engine operates at high temperatures, the lubricating properties of the oil can degrade, which may cause increased friction between engine parts. This leads to reduced efficiency, resulting in power loss as the engine struggles to maintain performance levels. Additionally, higher temperatures can cause oil to break down faster, leading to greater consumption as the engine requires more oil to function adequately.

Understanding the mechanics behind engine temperature is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and preventing potential engine damage, which makes the first choice the most appropriate answer in this context. The other options do not capture the direct consequences of high temperatures on engine performance as thoroughly as this one does.