Is it easy to replace a car thermostat?
The small and inexpensive vehicle thermostat is critical to engine performance. When it fails, your engine will not operate properly, which could lead to more expensive engine work down the road. Fortunately, car thermostat replacement is easy enough. Here’s a walkthrough on how to replace a thermostat.
How does the thermostat work in a car?
As the engine warms up, the coolant gets hot, and the thermostat opens. This allows the coolant to circulate through the radiator and back to the engine. Here’s a full breakdown of the thermostat and other cooling system parts. While the vehicle thermostat is a durable part, it’s surrounded by hot coolant and subjected to engine vibrations.
How can I tell if my car thermostat is broken?
Once a thermostat breaks, there are a few signs that give it away. If the thermostat fails and gets stuck open, it will always circulate coolant. You will see this as an engine that is slow to warm up, or doesn’t reach operating temperature. On newer vehicles, this will trigger the “check engine” light.
Can a faulty thermostat cause a check engine light?
A faulty thermostat may also trigger the check engine light. Because these symptoms can be caused by other problems, the entire cooling system — from main components to small gaskets — should be inspected by a pro before deciding to replace the thermostat.
The small and inexpensive vehicle thermostat is critical to engine performance. When it fails, your engine will not operate properly, which could lead to more expensive engine work down the road. Fortunately, car thermostat replacement is easy enough. Here’s a walkthrough on how to replace a thermostat.
Once a thermostat breaks, there are a few signs that give it away. If the thermostat fails and gets stuck open, it will always circulate coolant. You will see this as an engine that is slow to warm up, or doesn’t reach operating temperature. On newer vehicles, this will trigger the “check engine” light.
The thermostat of your car works with the radiator and coolant to help keep your engine at an optimal temperature. When the thermostat is working properly, it works as part of the radiator system flow.
A faulty thermostat may also trigger the check engine light. Because these symptoms can be caused by other problems, the entire cooling system — from main components to small gaskets — should be inspected by a pro before deciding to replace the thermostat.