Why do I need to change the thermostat on my car?
Every vehicle has a temperature gauge to help you make sure your vehicle’s engine is operating in the proper temperature range. If the temperature gauge ever gets more than ¾ of the way up its range, or reaches the red line, you have probably done damage to your thermostat.
What makes a car thermostat break over time?
While the vehicle thermostat is a durable part, it’s surrounded by hot coolant and subjected to engine vibrations. The thermostat can fail over time, especially if the engine coolant was not flushed and changed on time. Once a thermostat breaks, there are a few signs that give it away.
What does it mean when your car thermostat is not open?
The coolant shouldn’t be flowing because the coolant has not reached enough temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If the coolant is not flowing, go to step 7. If you see the coolant flowing, it means the thermostat is stuck opened. And this explains your temperature gauge indicating a continuous lower-than-normal operating temperature.
What to do when your car thermostat is stuck?
Tip: If you suspect a stuck closed thermostat, place your hand on the radiator outlet hose. If the engine is hot, but the hose is cold, that means coolant isn’t fully circulating and it’s time to change the thermostat. A hard-to-reach thermostat.
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.
What kind of thermostat do you use on a carbureted engine?
On most carbureted engines, a common thermostat used is a 180°F. You can check the function of your thermostat a number of ways. One method is by letting the engine come up to operating temperature while feeling the upper radiator hose, once the thermostat starts to open, you should feel the hose start to take pressure and get hot.
What does it mean when your car thermostat is stuck?
Interpreting your results: If both test points remain at about the same low temperature, your car thermostat is stuck opened. This means the coolant is flowing continuously, keeping the engine from reaching operating temperature. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes for the engine to reach operating temperature.