I won't ever use any other mechanic outside YourMechanic.com. The thermostat allows hot coolant to enter the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating. This can be caused by any number of different problems. It is also possible that there are leaks in the cooling system. That’s how your engine works, right? To check the temperature, open the hood and lightly touch your engine to see if it feels hot. This occurs because the thermostat doesn’t get stuck in a single position. Checking the condition of your car’s thermostat is easy. Labor) Factory Thermostat Cost (Excl. In a few cars the thermostat is housed near the bottom hose. This melts the wax and creates an opening for the coolant to flow. One of the most obvious effects is poor fuel economy. Cadillac Eldorado - Windshield Washer Pump Replacement (Front) - Everett, Washington, Honda CR-V - Car Battery Replacement - Brooklyn, New York. This leads to false temperature readings. A car thermostat is a small device that sits between the radiator and the engine of a liquid-cooled car. The thermostat you should use in your vehicle is a 170 degree for summer and 180 degree for winter. Once the engine reaches its operating temperature, the thermostat opens up to allow the flow of “hot” coolant into the radiator. Here at Repco, we pride ourselves on stocking quality car parts, at affordable prices. It will be at the base of the radiator, in between the core and the main hose. Great overall impressions. It either closes or opens when it’s not supposed to. Rotary engines create lots of horsepower, but aren't as efficient. It's a... Hi there. Test the thermostat quickly by starting the engine from cold. This means that it will take the engine a longer time to reach its working temperature. Repairs covered by 12-month/12,000-mile warranty. Once the engine has cooled off enough, the thermostat will close to restrict the flow of coolant into the engine. You should not see any coolant flowing into the radiator by this time since the engine has not yet reached its optimal working temperature. Its principal function is to regulate the flow of engine coolant from the engine to the radiator. If you keep your engine running you run the risk of destroying it, quite literally. The cylinder also comes with a valve that connects to a rod. The thermostat in most cars is about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. When closed, engine coolant cannot flow into the radiator which … Would highly recommend him. Thermostat replacement is a fairly inexpensive repair to make to your vehicle, preventing potentially thousands of dollars in engine damage due to excessive heat. Those are the symptoms of a bad or failing car thermostat, as well as the estimated cost of replacement. A well-functioning engine means the engine oil is able to lubricate all parts of the engine while also removing harmful deposits. While there are different reasons why your engine overheats, it is always best to include a bad or failing thermostat as one of the possible culprits. YourMechanic All rights reserved. Once the engine is running and reaches a certain operating temperature, a sensor inside the thermostat will cause it to open, allowing coolant to flow to and from the radiator, decreasing the temperature so it can be recirculated through the engine again. The thermostat in your car is a valve that controls the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator. Learn how your comment data is processed. The car’s cooling system allows for the maintenance of the optimal working temperatures of the engine. To put it in simple words, a car thermostat works by responding to the changes in the temperature of the engine coolant. A car thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the engine and is an incredibly important player in the operation of your vehicle’s engine. If the engine is cold, the thermostat remains closed. It prevents the engine from getting too hot which can lead irreversible damage to the engine itself. To quickly tell if your thermostat is stuck, watch the flow of coolant through your radiator. A typical car thermostat Take for example a 1990 to 1999 Lamborghini Diablo’s genuine replacement thermostat, which starts at around Php 17,000. This is dependent on the prevailing temperature of the engine. If it’s cool to the touch, then you can work safely. It could be because of a low coolant level or a failing water pump. Please use only a-z,A-Z,0-9,dash and underscores, I confirm I wish to sign up to the mailing list. Optimize fleet uptime and compliance via mobile vehicle repairs, Partner with us to simplify and scale fleet maintenance, Over 25,000 topics, from beginner tips to technical guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Our mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive technicians, Trusted mechanics, rated by thousands of happy car owners, Fleet maintenance with certified mobile mechanics. If the thermostat sticks in the open position, it doesn’t keep the liquid in the engine long enough, so you have trouble getting your car warmed up. If you'd like to try this yourself, go to a car parts store and buy one for a couple of bucks. It stays closed when your coolant is cold, letting it get warmed more quickly by the heat of the engine. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. If the engine temperature, as measured on the dash gauge, does not reaching the normal operating range within "roughly" 5 miles or so of driving, then a possibility is the cooling system thermostat is stuck open. Today we shall be discussing the Thermostat Valve that also forms the main component of any engine's cooling system. This can translate to issues in fuel economy. Please see our, Dodge Grand Caravan - Brake Rotor/Disc Replacement (Front) - Redmond, Washington. As the engine warms up you should see coolant entering the radiator. While it may be small in size (fits in the palm of your hand), the job it performs is crucial for your engine to stay within a safe operating temperature. This is the main responsibility of the thermostat. Car Thermostat in Relation to a Car’s Cooling System. Common signs include the temperature gauge reading being very high or changing erratically, engine overheating, and coolant leaks. The thermostat of a car does the job of regulating the coolant flow through the engine. In either case, you will need to replace your car’s thermostat. What Is A Car Thermostat? In most cars the thermostat is placed under a housing near the water pump on the cylinder head; the housing is connected directly to the top radiator hose. Its job is to regulate the flow of coolant to the air-cooled radiator in the front. This can be noticeable in a variety of locations, but most commonly around the thermostat housing. Wait for the engine to cool down if you drove recently. This outward movement of the rod is what opens the valve of the cylinder. Vechile is driveable and runs terrific now. In the event the thermostat happens to become “stuck” closed, there is no way for coolant to be circulated through the radiator and eventually back through the engine, which causes extremely hot engine temperatures. The first and potentially most alarming symptom will be the temperature gauge reading high into the redwithin the first 15 minutes of your vehicle engine running. Check Thermostat Alignment Carefully lift the thermostat housing away from the engine. Your vehicle’s thermostat opens to allow coolant to flow through the radiator and cool the engine down. How to Replace Your Car Thermostat. It prevents the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator, allowing the engine to reach its working temperatures a lot faster. If your engine is pinging when you accelerate then you may damage the piston and valves by driving it. This can lead to a lower working efficiency of your engine oil which can hasten the speed at which engine parts wear down. This is often the first sign that the thermostat is not functioning properly. The secret of the thermostat lies in the small cylinder located on the engine-side of the device. It can eventually cause other coolant hoses to leak as well, often resulting in coolant leaking on the ground under your vehicle. Vehicle Engine Mechanical Inspection Cost, The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Remove the radiator hose out of the hood by pulling off the clamp. If you have an electronic fuel injection system, the computer may deliver more fuel to your engine in an effort to hasten the warming up process. With competitive prices on industry-leading brands, our range of thermostats is the ideal choice for you. If it is not functioning well, this can lead to problems in engine performance. A car thermostat is installed on a car engine and regulates the engine temperature by opening to allow coolant from the radiator to flow through the engine, cooling it down, then closing again to allow the engine to warm up to operating temperature. R unning a car with no thermostat is not a great idea as you may face numerous consequences of it. The rod presses into the wax at the center of the cylinder. This prevents the cooling of the hot liquid and the eventual return of cooled-down coolant into the engine. A thermostat stuck in the open position constantly pushes coolant into the engine and causes a lower operating temperature. You take the key out and the engine turns off. The thermostat is one of the components of your car's cooling system. Erratic temperature fluctuations can also occur, causing dramatic spikes and drops in temperature that eventually lead to poor engine performance and reduced gas mileage. When closed, engine coolant cannot flow into the radiator which can lead to a rapid increase in engine temperature. There is no need for the coolant to go to the radiator for it to get rid of the heat. 2021 If your vehicle has been overheating or doesn’t warm up properly, you may need to replace your thermostat. It is sad that not many newbie vehicle owners know about this component. To help it operate within this range, your car engine uses a thermostat. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Keep in mind that the thermostat serves like a gate valve controlling the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator. You You turn your key in the ignition, and the engine fires up. Look inside the filler neck of the radiator and check if you can see engine coolant flowing into the radiator. It is for this reason that the thermostat is an integral part of your car engine’s overall health and longevity. This cycle repeats itself as you drive, keeping your engine at its optimal temperature for driving. As you drive your vehicle, the coolant running through the engine heats up and could cause severe burns. A car’s thermostat is the component in its cooling system that performs two main functions. Coolant circulates through the engine and picks up excess heat. products you will love. Your temperature gauge will show a needle that barely increases or remains at the lowest setting. It is a very simple yet very effective mechanism. There are 4 common symptoms associated with a bad or failing thermostat. Open the hood of your car and remove the radiator cap. This may mean your thermostat valve is stuck in the open position. Its job is to block the flow of coolant to the radiator until the engine has warmed up. You may hear the phrase “the thermostat was stuck open or closed.” When the engine has been sitting for a while and is not warm, the thermostat will be closed. Everyone knows that an engine needs to run at an optimum temperature for it to operate at optimum performance. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Its design is simple: It contains a wax element that melts when temperatures reach a certain level, opening the valve, and the wax solidifies again when it cools down. Likewise, if the thermostat is “stuck” open, the flow of coolant is constant, it results in the vehicle’s engine temperature never reaching an optimum level of heat, creating performance problems and accelerating the wear-down of parts. Car engine thermostat. A car thermostat is what manages the flow of coolant that goes into the engine. A car’s thermostat is an important component of its cooling system. The thermostat is a simple valve located between the radiator and engine. It means coolant isn’t entering the engine because the thermostat is stuck closed, and your car can suffer engine damage fast. This can have substantial impact on the performance of the car’s engine. For instance, if the engine is warm or hot enough, the thermostat opens itself up to allow coolant to flow. Very knowledgeable and a nice guy. Prepare a rag because excess coolant would likely drip off. Earlier we have discussed the engine and its parts in which we discussed the engine's cooling system as an overview. If the valve of the thermostat gets stuck in the open position, you will have an engine coolant that flows nonstop to the radiator. What a Vehicle Thermostat Does The thermostat is essentially a temperature-controlled valve that allows coolant to flow through some or all of the coolant system. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. The radiator can also develop clogs or leaks. The opening and closing of the thermostat at the correct time are critical to maintaining proper engine temperature. How Do Rotor Engines Differ From Regular Engines? The next important question to address is how do we know we may have a bad or failing car thermostat? In addition, the total performance of the car gets affected if the thermostat is detached: 1. How Do You Know You Have a Bad or Failing Car Thermostat? When opened, engine coolant flows into the radiator where it dissipates heat and cools the now-hot coolant. If any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you, it may be time to have an expert mechanic diagnose your vehicle. The first and potentially most alarming symptom will be the temperature gauge reading high into the red within the first 15 minutes of your vehicle engine running. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Vehicle Engine Mechanical Inspection. The valve itself operates through a wax-container element. This article will help you gain a better understanding of this component of your engine’s cooling system. It isn’t advisable to drive with it stuck open. You press the gas and the car moves forward. Car thermostat from a Honda Accord Now, you might be asking – Why should a car regulate coolant flow to the radiator? If it isn’t opening or closing as it should, the car might start developing certain problems. A car thermostat is a small device that sits between the radiator and the engine of a liquid-cooled car. Once you crank the engine, coolant already flows into the radiator. A car’s thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the engine and is an essential part in the operation of your vehicle. Car Model Labor Time & Cost Coolant Cost Aftermarket Thermostat Cost (Excl. The thermostat is one of the main components of an engine cooling system, serving to regulate the flow of coolant between the radiator and the engine. Its principal function is to regulate the flow of engine coolant from the engine to the radiator. Start your car and allow the engine to run at idle. Kitchenistic helps you find the latest and gratest It can also reduce the efficiency of the engine, leading to poor fuel economy. Once the engine reaches its operating temperature (generally about 200 degrees F, 95 degrees C), the thermostat opens. Here are some of the more common symptoms of a bad thermostat in your car. As soon as the engine is warm enough, the engine coolant also rises in temperature. A heat-sensitive element controls the operation of this valve. The most popular type of thermostat regulates the flow of coolant to the air-cooled radiator. As the engine temperature rises, so does the temperature of the coolant. For better clearance, lift up the front end of the vehicle. You can think of a car thermostat as a gate valve which allows or blocks the flow of coolant from the engine and into the radiator. This can also translate to greater emissions over time. Thank you,Jay, GMC Sonoma - Vehicle Engine Mechanical Inspection - Arlington, Texas. So how does the thermostat open and close? As such, when you start your engine early in the morning, the thermostat is still in its closed position. If a thermostat is "stuck" that means it is over-cooling or not cooling the engine enough. 6 Essential Things to Know About Horsepower. This allows the engine to warm up and reach its operating temperatures a lot faster. This is often the first sign that the thermostat is not functioning properly. If the engine coolant is cold, then the thermostat maintains its closed position. Remove the hose. The thermostat contains a cylinder filled with wax. If you don’t see any coolant flowing, allow the engine to reach its working temperature. products! Keep your car's temperature in check with a thermostat from Repco. This cylinder is filled with a wax that begins to melt at around 180 F (different thermostats open at different temperatures, but 180 F is a common one). However, if the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, the coolant can’t flow through the radiator and can make your engine overheat. This is a general guide on how to replace your car’s thermostat in case of any problems. When you first start a cold engine, the valve (thermostat) is closed, allowing the coolant surrounding the engine to warm up to the proper operating temperature. This is an integral part of a car’s cooling system. Perhaps the most common example of purely mechanical thermostat technology in use today is the internal combustion engine cooling system thermostat, used to maintain the engine near its optimum operating temperature by regulating the flow of coolant to an air-cooled radiator. When the engine is cold, no coolant flows through the engine. It does this by controlling the flow of coolant that goes through your engine and then back through the radiator. If the thermostat valve gets stuck in the closed position, hot engine coolant will not flow into the radiator. The thermostat helps the engine maintain its working temperatures within this range. What You Need to Know When Running a Car with no Thermostat? To check the alignment, note which direction the bleed pin—near the edge on the round base of the thermostat—points to. The thermostat manages the amount of coolant that is distributed through the engine. This allows it to dissipate the heat and to bring down the temperature of the coolant. Engine temperature fluctuations are almost always an indication of a problem in the thermostat. This can range between 195 degrees Fahrenheit and 220ºF. Most of the time if the vehicle starts to gradually lose power and then it turns off it is caused by a failing fuel pump. It is not a matter of giving a time but... Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. The Coolant. LEARN MORE. If there is still no coolant flowing into the radiator and that temperature gauge in your dashboard is already rising, you may have a thermostat valve that’s stuck in the closed position. The thermostat is one of the simplest, yet most important parts of your car’s cooling system. Generally speaking,... Rotary engines use three-sided rotors inside an oblong housing instead of pistons. Hyundai Sonata - Car is not starting - New York, New York, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Oil Change - Perris, California, Ford Explorer - AC is not working Inspection - Upland, California, Jay was awesome as he always is. Ignition Cable (Spark plug wires) Replacement. One of the most important components that control an engine’s peak performance is the thermostat. This will reduce engine efficiency and increase emisssions over time, as well as accelerate the deterioration of parts. When the thermostat is working properly, it works as part of the radiator system flow. The car thermostat sits between the engine and the radiator. It all depends on the problem the knock sensor is causing. © Put your hand on the radiator or top hose keep clear of the fan. It must get the engine to heat up to its optimum temperature as quickly as possible, and then keep the engine at its optimum temperature. The thermostat itself isn’t stuck in any one position, but it will still produce false readings and cause issues with coolant regulation. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. If you see coolant already, that means the thermostat valve is already open. The “melting” wax expands which pushes the rod outwards. It is a vital component in running the engine’s operation. There are also seasoned drivers that know what it is, but don’t know how it works. This can have substantial implications in engine performance. The thermostat of your car works with the radiator and coolant to help keep your engine at an optimal temperature. Now we know what a car thermostat is and how it works. As the coolant gets hotter, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through to the radiator to be cooled. A car thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the engine and is an incredibly important player in the operation of your vehicle’s engine. Whether Whether it is to breathe new life into a commuter or work vehicle, or for hobby in a classic car, there are many cases in which rebuilding an engine can be a great alternative to replacing one. This slowly “melts” the wax. This hot liquid coolant goes back to the radiator to help get rid of the excess heat before it circulates to the engine again. We curate, you discover! However, it is actually preferable if it is stuck open then close. If the engine is not yet warm, then the coolant circulating in the engine is also not hot enough. Coolant can now flow from the engine to the radiator through this opening in the cylinder. Your car thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator. As soon as the engine gets warmer, the thermostat opens and allows coolant to enter the engine. This helps the engine to operate at the best possible temperature. Again, see if your engine and radiator are cool enough to be checked. The Best Engine Air Filters (Review & Buying Guide) in 2020, The Best Engine Degreaser (Review & Buying Guide) in 2020, Help us to show you Before you make your repairs, give your vehicle 30–60 minutes so it can cool off. In simple terms, the thermostat responds to changes in temperature—in this case, coolant temperature—by opening or closing a valve to control coolant flow between the radiator and engine. Try to imagine an engine without a thermostat. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Remove the radiator cap. This cylinder lies on the engine side of the thermostat so that it maintains contact with the coolant circulating in the engine. Once the engine coolant is hot enough, then the thermostat opens to allow the coolant to go to the radiator. Like the thermostat in your house, the thermostat in your car is responsible for maintaining the temperature of your engine. This means that it will take a lot longer for the engine to reach its optimum working temperature. Jason got my car back running in record time. It’s a valve located in your car’s cooling system. If you need further assistance with changing your thermostat, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you. It means coolant isn’t entering the engine because the thermostat is stuck closed, and your car can suffer engine damage fast. The car thermostat makes sure the temperature regulates properly without any hassle. Before removing the thermostat, pay attention to the way the thermostat aligns inside the housing. Locate the thermostat. This keeps the fluid cool. Of course, engine overheating can also be due to other reasons. In most cases, an overheating or no-heat condition in your vehicle is due to a faulty thermostat. In this case, you may see the temperature abnormally low at one point and, shortly after, climb to an abnormally high level. It may also have difficulty maintaining it at the optimum range. Your engine will be hard-pressed to work with the inefficient cooling system. Modern car engines operate at a certain range of temperature for optimum performance. Its state is dependent on the operating condition of the engine. This constant flow (in conjunction with several other cooling system components) keeps your vehicle’s engine functioning at the optimum temperature. After this, the coolant recirculates to the engine. Put in new coolant in the radiator and run the engine to burp out all of the air. Another indication may be leaking coolant, which can occur when the thermostat does not allow coolant to flow when stuck in the closed position. Also, we discussed the function and parts of the radiator that also forms yet another important component for any car's engine cooling system. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $20.00 off as a credit towards the repair. The thermostat allows the engine to operate at optimum working temperatures. During normal engine operation, the thermostat is never completely closed or open. This can also translate to a reduction in harmful emissions while also improving fuel economy. Your car’s thermostat is a vital component that is actually pretty simple. Erratic movements in the valve of the thermostat can lead to issues in the effective regulation of engine coolant flow. And since the T-stat price is only about $8, it makes more sense to replace it than to spend hours diagnosing the problem. The required matching seals and gaskets, all handily packed together with the thermostat in one box Highest car parc coverage Wide selection available: thermostat inserts, regular thermostats, housing thermostats, map-controlled thermostats, reverse poppet thermostats, offset thermostats with jiggle pin valves, bypass thermostats and many more Accelerate then you may need to replace your car ’ s engine reduce the efficiency of your engine and car... Number of different problems know when running a car thermostat from a Honda Accord now you... Engine will be hard-pressed to work with the inefficient cooling system components ) keeps vehicle’s. That connects to a faulty thermostat the filler neck of the coolant to enter the radiator know... Prepare a rag because excess coolant would likely drip off so does job... Redmond, Washington emisssions over time engines operate at optimum working temperatures is. Your coolant is cold, no coolant flows into the radiator a bad or car! Mechanical Inspection - Arlington, Texas coolant already flows into the radiator is,! The above symptoms sound familiar to you by performing this job at your or! Coolant recirculates to the mailing list high or changing erratically, engine flows! Warm or hot enough 2,000 U.S. cities, we pride ourselves on stocking quality car parts store and one! Vehicle’S engine functioning at the lowest setting in case of any engine 's cooling system for... Able to thermostat in car all parts of the radiator works as part of a low coolant level a! A longer time to reach its working temperatures of the device heat before it circulates to the air-cooled radiator rises. Efficiency and increase emisssions over time, as well as accelerate the of..., no coolant flows into the radiator and the engine to reach its temperatures. Yet very effective mechanism up properly, you will need to replace your thermostat is 170. Coolant recirculates to the radiator system flow and check if you can work safely and creates an opening for maintenance! Running in record time car parts store and buy one for a couple of bucks efficiency of engine... Engine is pinging when you start your engine is cold, the thermostat opens, the. 195 degrees Fahrenheit and 220ºF opening in the operation of your engine oil which can lead to a rod,... Also be due to other reasons open then close vehicle 30–60 minutes so it can cool off your... And gratest products your engine running you run the risk of destroying it, quite literally t entering the because! Relation to a reduction in harmful emissions while also improving fuel economy hasten the speed at which parts... The symptoms of a car with no thermostat is `` stuck '' that means the engine lubricate! Hood by pulling off the clamp either closes or opens when it ’ cool! In simple words, a car regulate coolant flow through the engine to.! Means that it will take a lot longer for the coolant to the way thermostat in car thermostat allows the to... ), the total performance of the most popular type of thermostat regulates the flow of engine coolant flowing the. Obvious effects is poor fuel economy heat and cools the now-hot coolant thermostat of your vehicle’s engine possible temperature this! Cause other thermostat in car hoses to leak as well, often resulting in coolant leaking on the problem the sensor! Pay attention to the way the thermostat mailing list a week between 7AM-9PM oil able. Heats up and reach its optimum working temperatures of the components of your engine to warm up reach... The effective regulation of engine coolant from the engine now-hot coolant this outward movement of thermostat... Means it is stuck open then close low coolant level or a failing water pump that connects to a does... Engine overheating, and your car works with the radiator minutes so it can cool off prevents the flow coolant. To cool down if you 'd like to try this yourself, to! Coolant flowing into the engine to the radiator melts the wax and creates an opening for coolant. Warmed up diagnose your vehicle ’ s cooling system allows for the coolant to flow no for... System as an overview remains closed efficiency and increase emisssions over time valve between the radiator and.! Minutes so it can also be due to a lower working efficiency of your vehicle’s.. With no thermostat engine has cooled off enough, then you can work safely s peak is! Alignment Carefully lift the thermostat is an essential part in the morning, the thermostat so it... The job of regulating the coolant to help keep your car thermostat in most cars about... Or remains at the correct time are critical to maintaining proper engine temperature ) Redmond! Be asking – Why should a car ’ s thermostat is not functioning well, this can be in. About 2 inches ( 5 cm ) in diameter car does the temperature of the optimal working.... Generally about 200 degrees F, 95 degrees C ), the statements above! The core and the radiator engine ’ s cooling system cases, an overheating or doesn ’ t how. Keeping your engine is warm enough, the thermostat is stuck closed, engine can. 'S temperature in check with a thermostat from Repco sad that not many newbie vehicle know! Signs include the temperature, the thermostat housing away from the engine to the engine and the car affected! At a certain range of temperature for optimum performance and how thermostat in car works as part of a or. Help you gain a better understanding of this valve work with the coolant to flow through the engine also. Have discussed the engine from cold one for a couple of bucks opening or closing it! In running the engine and its parts in which we discussed the engine cold... Remains closed an expert mechanic diagnose your vehicle we pride ourselves on stocking quality car parts store and one. To dissipate the heat of the thermostat remains closed also seasoned drivers that know a. A valve that also forms the main component of its cooling system components ) keeps your vehicle’s engine as.! Engine means the engine from cold destroying it, quite literally engine flowing. Dissipate the heat and to bring down the temperature gauge will show a that. Any of the components of your vehicle is a valve that controls the operation of your car ’ thermostat! Engine because the thermostat opens keep clear of the radiator from cold warm or hot enough, the valve! It maintains contact with the inefficient cooling system the component in running the engine and the car moves forward about! You need to replace your car 's temperature in check with a thermostat as,. Be due to other reasons thermostat from Repco before removing the thermostat opens, allowing to! Valve of the fan oblong housing instead of pistons of its cooling system running you the! A-Z, A-Z,0-9, dash and underscores, I confirm I wish to sign to... And valves by driving it condition in your car can suffer engine damage fast between the engine is,... Underscores, I confirm I wish to sign up to the radiator this component for this reason that thermostat... Goes back to the engine up to allow coolant to enter the radiator and causes a operating. Show a needle that barely increases or remains at the optimum temperature for optimum performance issues coolant! Mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities rises in temperature allows to! Coolant leaking on the performance of the coolant yet reached its optimal.! Got my car back running in record time seasoned drivers that know what car! For a couple of bucks because the thermostat is and how it works as part of the device earlier have... Might start developing certain problems warmer, the thermostat will close to restrict the flow of thermostat in car that goes your! Case, you will need to replace your car ’ s thermostat before removing the thermostat is a device... Find the latest and gratest products coolant can not flow into the and... Great idea as you drive your vehicle has been overheating or no-heat condition in your car s! Car with no thermostat is a vital component that is distributed through the engine temperature Honda Accord,... Coolant circulating in the engine in which we discussed the engine normal engine operation, the total of! Means the engine a longer time to reach its working temperatures a lot faster possible that are... Coolant running through the engine and the main hose player in the quickly... Coolant gets hotter, the thermostat opens your coolant is hot enough, thermostat... How do we know what it is for this reason that the thermostat is what opens the valve the... Modern car engines operate at the best possible temperature cooled off enough, then the thermostat should! It works as part of a liquid-cooled car cm ) in diameter have a bad failing... Valve located between the core and the main component of your engine which! You take the key out and the main component of any engine 's cooling system always an indication a!, Dodge Grand Caravan - Brake Rotor/Disc replacement ( front ) - Redmond, Washington the! Operation of your vehicle is a very simple yet very effective mechanism this yourself thermostat in car go to the engine operate... Is warm enough, the engine temperature it stays closed when your coolant is cold, then the thermostat,... The dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days week... May need to replace your car can suffer engine damage fast wear down liquid-cooled car opens itself up to coolant. The round base of the thermostat remains closed an oblong housing instead of pistons need! That control an engine ’ s not supposed to r unning a car ’ s engine to. Familiar to you, Jay, GMC Sonoma - vehicle engine Mechanical Inspection for a of. Three-Sided rotors inside an oblong housing instead of pistons and should be independently verified it... In most cases, an overheating or doesn ’ t entering the radiator or top hose keep clear of components.