Everything You Need to Know About Driving a Car Without a Thermostat

You might have been debating whether or not to drive without a thermostat. The thermostat has this incredible feature that keeps the engine cool whenever it gets hot. So driving a car without a thermostat has its own set of consequences that every driver should be aware of. Let us wait and see what happens!

Before we answer the question, "Is it okay to remove the thermostat from my car?" let's learn a little bit about car thermostats.

Running a car with no thermostat is a bad idea in general. If you are unsure about the condition of your thermostat, simply consult the professionals as soon as possible when performing your next car service in Reading.

What exactly are car thermostats?

A car thermostat is a small device that sits between a liquid-cooled car's radiator and engine. Most cars have thermostats that are about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and play an important role in the car by regulating the flow of engine coolant from the engine to the radiator. When it is closed, coolant cannot flow into the radiator, causing the engine temperature to rise rapidly. When it is opened at around 93 degrees Celsius, engine coolant flows into the radiator, dissipating heat and cooling the now-hot coolant. The thermostat reduces engine wear, deposits, and emissions by allowing the engine to warm up as quickly as possible.

This is a basic introduction to the car thermostat, now let's look at the consequences of driving a car without one.

What Should You Do If Your Car Doesn't Have a Thermostat?

Running a car without a thermostat is not a good idea because it can lead to a variety of problems. Furthermore, if the thermostat is removed, the overall performance of the vehicle suffers:

Coolant/antifreeze - The thermostat is a simple valve located between the radiator and the engine. As previously stated, the thermostat's primary function is to keep the engine at the proper temperature. The radiator connects to the entire engine and uses coolants to keep it cool. When the thermostat is removed, the engine remains cool because the radiator is quickly moved into the system. A typical car engine is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from 80 to 100 degrees Celsius. When the car is not equipped with a thermostat, it operates at 50o C. At this temperature, the humidity condenses and packs in, blending with the oil to form slush. As a result, the slush obstructs lubrication and the entire system wears out. As a result, driving a car without a thermostat degrades vehicle performance.

Engine Parts - It is critical for drivers to warm up the engine before starting it, as starting a cold engine causes parts to wear out. Because the bad components are not isolated from the oil, the engine's life is rapidly reduced.

When the engine reaches a certain temperature, the closed loop procedure is activated. If the temperature does not rise, the engine will choke and eventually shut down. In fact, the heater will also produce cold air. Second, there is a chance that the water will flow so quickly through the radiator that it will not stay in the radiator long enough to cool down, causing your engine to overheat. However, depending on the age of the car, running a car without a thermostat can waste more fuel because the ECM (engine control module) will believe that the engine is still cool and needs to be started.

The ECU adjusts performance parameters based on real-time readings from the intake, combustion chamber, exhaust, and catalytic converters. So, in order for the ECU to control the fuel/air mixture, timing, shift point, and so on, all of the sensors must be operating within a certain range. The range varies by manufacturer, so you'd have to look it up for your specific vehicle. When you drive your car without a thermostat, some of the required temperatures are not met, forcing the ECU to balance the emissions on a "cold engine" all of the time, even if it has been running all day.

Thermostat Replacement - A faulty thermostat can wreak havoc on the entire vehicle. The regular replacement of the thermostat will assist you in maintaining the overall operation of the vehicle. The engine will reach its ideal operating temperature, and the entire system will function properly. As a result, removing the thermostat is detrimental to your vehicle and its components in every way.

How to Drive Without a Thermostat

You should never drive a car without a thermostat, but what if you have no other choice? Is there a safe way to assist you? Here's how to run a car without a thermostat.

Without a thermostat, your engine will never reach its optimal operating temperature, and your heater may blow cold air. This should not be an issue if you live in a warm climate. So, if your car isn't getting enough heat, place a large piece of cardboard in front of the radiator and between the radiator and the car's grill. It will assist in preventing cold air from blowing across your radiator and further cooling your vehicle. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge when using the cardboard method to ensure that your car engine does not overheat. If the temperature gauge begins to rise too high, simply come to a halt and remove the cardboard.

It is normal to see a decrease in fuel mileage or performance, so don't be alarmed! Driving without a thermostat fools your engine into thinking it is cold outside, causing it to adjust the gas mixing valve and push more fuel to the engine. When driving without a thermostat, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge to avoid running out of fuel. Your engine will consume more fuel than usual.