Car Thermostat Replacement: When and Why

The thermostat in your car is a part that is of extreme importance because it is the one responsible for tracking the temperature of the engine. If the thermostat has an error, the symptoms will be overheating or poor engine performance. It can be of great help to be aware of the working principle of a thermostat and the price of a thermostat replacement if you have experienced problems with the cooling system of your car, this way you can be sure about your choice.

In this piece, we are going to talk about the necessity a vehicle has for such an item, the possible signs of a failing thermostat, the possibility of a checkup, and car thermostat replacement steps.

What Does a Car Thermostat Do

The vehicle thermostat regulates the flow of coolant to the engine to ensure the engine runs at the optimum temperature. It is the engine temperature that triggers the phenomenon of the thermostat opening and closing. In the situation when the engine is still at a low temperature, the thermostat will stay closed, which will speed the engine up in warming. When the engine reaches the correct operating temperature, the thermostat becomes open, which then allows the coolant to move through the radiator to cool the engine.When the thermostat is not working,the engine can either overheat or be running inefficiently. If the engine is running too cold, it will not be able to achieve the best fuel efficiency and may produce a large amount of emissions. On the other hand, overheating can cause serious damage to the engine, so the thermostat is a key element in the long life of the engine.

How Do You Know if Your Car's Thermostat is Bad?

A broken or damaged thermostat can result in several engine performance problems. A few of the common symptoms that may indicate your car's thermostat is going bad are given below. More information about Quick Answer: How Do You Know If Your Thermostat Is Bad.

1. Overheating

If your car's engine is always running too hot, then that could mean that your thermostat is stuck closed, thus the coolant is not able to flow through the engine and thus, the engine gets too hot.

2. Low Coolant Temperature

Should the engine temperature gauge be stuck at a low reading (below normal), it might be the thermostat that is stuck open and that causes the coolant to flow through the system more than necessary and the engine cannot reach the temperature it is designed for.

3. Poor Fuel Efficiency

Running an engine that doesn't hit the right operating temperature can waste more fuel than needed. A thermostat that remains in the open position can keep the engine from heating up and cause it to inhale a lot of gasoline.

4. Heater Malfunctions

Your car's heater malfunction and no warm air can be the result of a thermostat which is stuck not allowing efficient heater operation. This situation might lead to the engine not reaching the right temperature for that.

Can I Drive a Car with a Bad Thermostat?

Even if a turned-off thermostat is not an ideal solution, the casual answer is - yes, the car can still be operated. The reason why it is not recommended, however, is that the malfunctioning thermostat can trigger engine overheating, leading to poor fuel efficiency. Both excessive heat and inadequate fuel consumption may bring about the complete collapse of the engine. Therefore, it would be a total loss and you would have to bear considerable costs if the vehicle failure happened while driving with a thermostat not in a proper condition. In this way, when you feel that there is a problem, the best way is always to replace the thermostat as soon as possible, as announced at Racing Turbos and in all other solid vehicle parts shops.

How To Test A Thermostat

The typical way to check the car's thermostat is to take it out and make an examination of what the thermostat can and cannot do. Below are the basic steps of how to check a thermostat:

1. Remove the Thermostat: Firstly, before doing anything else, the engine has to cool down for a while. Then go ahead and locate the thermostat housing to take it out. This step might involve you draining some coolant.

2. Test the Thermostat in Boiling Water: One of the ways to test a thermostat is to heat a pot of water to about 200°F (93°C). Once the water reaches the right temperature, put the thermostat in and notice if it opens. In the event that the thermostat does not open fully, it is most probably defective and needs to be swapped.

3. Check for Sticking: The slow or incomplete opening of the thermostat, in case it occurs, is yet another indication of a malfunction.

4. Inspect the Thermostat Housing: It's always essential to check the thermostat housing for being undamaged before reinstalling it. If the housing is indeed damaged, the damage might already be severe, and you may have to replace it as well.

How Often Should a Car Thermostat Be Changed?

Have you heard about the lifetimes when a car thermostat has been designed to last? Yes, they are actually there, though like all materials, they can be used up from time to time. In most cases, you need to change your thermostat every 10-15 years or 100,000-150,000 miles,depending on the brand and model of the car you have. However, if you see that your car is overheating, or you are getting poor fuel, and the temperature you get is not consistent, replacing it soon is the best solution.

Car Thermostat Replacement Steps

To change a thermostat is rather easy and you can do it by yourself however it involves some meager skills in mechanics. Here are the steps that will help you replace the thermostat in a car.

1. Gather Necessary Tools and Supplies   

First of all, ensure that you have all the tools necessary for the job.

• Wrench or socket set

• Screwdriver

• Drain pan (to catch coolant)

• Replacement thermostat

• Gasket or sealing material

• New coolant (if needed)

2. Allow the Engine to Cool

The engine has to be perfectly cold before any work starts on it. Overheated antifreeze can reach a person and cause serious injuries so check if the engine is cold.

3. Locate the Thermostat Housing

The thermostat housing is customarily available between the motor and the radiator hose. If necessary, look in the manual of your car to locate it.

4. Drain the Coolant

Put a pan under the radiator drain tap to collect coolant and prevent it from spilling later when the thermostat is removed.

5. Remove the Thermostat Housing

Get a socket or wrench and unscrew the bolts from the thermostat housing to remove it. With the housing removed, extract the thermostat.

6. Remove the Old Thermostat

Wipe the place where the broken thermostat used to be, and check if it has any stain from corrosion or dirt.

7. Install the New Thermostat

Before you place the new thermostat into the housing, make sure it is properly seated there. The thermostat of your vehicle needs a gasket, make sure that it is installed as well.

8. Reinstall the Housing and Secure 

To sure that it is installed as well. Renew the housing of the engine and screw the bolts up with adequate force. Please take care not to over tighten the bolts.

9. Refill the Coolant 

Fill the radiator with a new coolant and have aleak check. Make sure you fill it up to the level specified.

10. Test the New Thermostat

Start the engine and warm it up. Watch the temperature gauge to make sure the engine got to the right operating temperature and that the thermostat is working as it should.

Can I Do the Car Thermostat Replacement Myself?

Of course, an individual can change a throttle valve control of a car by oneself, this is a very easy task and does not require any special skills. Unscrew the bolt of the old one and remove it, Then, install a new vent by pressing it till you hear the click sound of it locking into place! Nothing but a screwdriver and another wrench exactly fit, are needed! Nevertheless, if you are not self-assured of your capabilities or not willing to touch the cooling system of your vehicle, you may opt for asking a professional mechanic to do the car thermostat replacement .

Browse our wide selection of high-quality thermostats for every application—energy-efficient smart thermostats, durable mechanical models, and reliable thermostats for different applications. Find the Perfect Thermostat for Your Needs! 

Conclusion

The thermostat of your car's engine is a vital piece of equipment that controls the temperature of the engine. In the event that the thermostat is not working properly, the result could be a very hot engine or one that doesn't function properly. Some examples that the thermostat needs to be replaced are if the car is overheating, the temperature readings are going up and down and the engine is not doing well. It is very possible to undertake the replacement of the thermostat if you have the proper tools and step-by-step instructions. The average price for a car thermostat replacement is usually in the vicinity of $200 to $500 and the price is fix–model dependent, this can imply you'll spend more or less depending on your car's situation.

Despite the fact that anyone might change a thermostat themselves, it is always good to have a professional look over everything or to solve the case if there is a question. If you not only keep the thermostat in good condition by regular inspection but also if you take care of any problem arising up instantly, then you can be sure that the cooling system of your car is maintaining the best condition, which will automatically mean that your car is running as smoothly as ever, and there is no sign of any expensive repairs being done shortly.