Don't Overheat: Identifying Car Thermostat Issues before It's Too Late

The thermostat is perhaps the most neglected part of a vehicle :(:(:( It doesn't get any attention- until the engine temperature begins to fluctuate erratically. Don't be surprised… if there is something off with your vehicle's thermostat, its engine temperature will start fluctuating erratically and may go beyond permissible limits.

Today’s blog post compiles a list of signs that will help you diagnose a thermostat-related issue in your car. Let’s start by discussing the significance of a vehicle’s thermostat.

Thermostat: Understanding Its Worth

Your car engine is promised optimal operating temperature… there is a special kind of arrangement in place (in the form of the cooling system) to make sure that the engine temperature never exceeds the permissible range. Being a key ingredient of that mechanism the thermostat plays a crucial role in keeping the engine temperature stable.

If it is to be put in a nutshell, the thermostat is entrusted with the task of regulating coolant circulation between the engine and the radiator; thereby preventing the engine temperature from going beyond the permissible limits. It is a very simple component entrusted with a very important job. In the event that the thermostat malfunctions, there won't be any component left to regulate coolant circulation between the engine and the radiator.

Unregulated coolant circulation because of a defective thermostat may lead to engine overheating among other problems in a car. Knowing the signs of thermostat failure may save you costly repairs down the road. Here's a look at some of the early indications of thermostat failure in a car.

Discussing Thermostat Failure Signs in Cars

Sign #1- Irregular engine temperature

Of late, has your vehicle’s engine temperature gauge been displaying unusual readings? If such is the case, chances are high that its thermostat is not functioning the way it is supposed to. By the way, erratic engine temperature gauge reading doesn’t always mean a thermostat issue. It could point to one of many different things going on with your vehicle’s cooling system.

Sign #2- Engine overheating

If you decide to neglect your vehicle's erratic engine temperature gauge readings triggered by a faulty thermostat, it could lead to something as serious as engine overheating. No, we are not making this up… It's true. By ensuring controlled circulation of coolant the thermostat plays a crucial role in keeping the engine temperature stable. If it gives up because of a defective wax element or any other technical glitch, the engine temperature will fluctuate erratically and may even overheat.

Sign #3- Coolant leak

Another common finding in a vehicle with a defective thermostat is coolant dripping from the front-section. For those who don't know, car thermostats reside in a housing made of metal/ plastic. If somehow the housing gets damaged, coolant will pour out of the system. If left unaddressed, a coolant leak because of a damaged thermostat housing can result in engine overheating. So if coolant is pouring out of your vehicle's engine compartment, the very first component to be looked at is the thermostat.

Sign #4- Inefficient heater

Has your vehicle’s climate control system been acting weird lately??? If so, there is a slight possibility that its thermostat is acting up and not performing the task it has been entrusted with. It could also point to one of many different things going on with your vehicle’s climate control system. Only an experienced professional will be able to give you a clear picture of the issue you are dealing with.

Sign #5- Reduced engine performance

The controlled circulation of coolant is what keeps your car engine temperature stable. Given the important role the thermostat plays in doing so; if it malfunctions, its impact will be visible on the overall engine's operation. So if your car engine is having a hard time picking up speed and its temperature is fluctuating erratically, have its thermostat checked by a certified professional.

What to Do Then…

As soon as you come across any of these signs, call your mechanic. Tell him about the exact nature of the issue you are dealing with and plot the future plan accordingly. If you are asked to visit the nearest service center, don’t hesitate. Take your vehicle to the service center to have the issue diagnosed ASAP.

In Conclusion

- It is because of the thermostat your car engine temperature stays within a set range.

- So, obviously… if it acts up, you will have to deal with all sorts of issues including reduced engine operation.

- Look for the above signs if you suspect a thermostat issue in your car and contact the service center if necessary.

We hope you find this helpful...