4 FAQs About Thermostat Replacement
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about thermostats:
1. How Does a Thermostat Work?
The thermostat unit maintains your engine’s optimal operating temperature by regulating the coolant temperature. It prevents your car’s engine from overheating and is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system components.
Here’s how it works:
When you start your car, the thermostat valve is closed, preventing the coolant flow from reaching the radiator and cooling the engine. It traps the engine heat, helping it quickly heat up to the right temperature. This, in turn, promotes efficient fuel use and saves energy costs.
Once the engine reaches the optimal temperature (usually around 195°F), the thermostat valve opens, allowing hot coolant to flow into the radiator. As the hot coolant circulates through the radiator, it cools down and is recirculated back into the engine. This helps maintain the engine’s optimal temperature, preventing overheating.
2. How Long Does a Car Thermostat Replacement Take?
Most car thermostats typically take 1 to 3 hours to be replaced.
However, it can take up to five hours or more for vehicles with complex engine layouts or components that obstruct access to the thermostat.
3. How to Prolong the Life of a Thermostat
These simple practices can maximize the lifespan of your vehicle’s thermostat, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency:
- Perform routine checks of the entire engine cooling system – the radiator, hoses and water pump, to ensure everything is functioning properly.
- Keep track of coolant levels and promptly address coolant leaks (if any).
- Always use the recommended coolant for your vehicle and avoid mixing different types of coolants, as this can damage the thermostat.
- Prevent the engine from overheating by keeping an eye on the temperature gauge.
4. What Could Cause a Car to Overheat Even After Replacing the Malfunctioning Thermostat?
Sometimes, a car may still overheat after replacing a failing thermostat due to the following reasons:
- A new thermostat could be defective and not function properly.
- A blown head gasket can cause erratic overheating.
- A radiator clogged with sludge or debris can obstruct coolant flow, resulting in a slow, steady increase in the engine’s temperature.
- Coolant that’s old or contaminated may not cool the engine efficiently.
- A faulty radiator fan clutch or problems with the electric fan (e.g., poor electrical contacts or a broken relay) can prevent proper cooling.
- A leaking or failing water pump can cause inadequate coolant circulation.
- A coolant leak from hoses, the radiator, or other components can lead to a low coolant level and cause engine overheating.
- Problems with the air conditioning, such as a failing compressor or refrigerant leaks, can lead to an overheating engine despite replacing a broken thermostat.