A bad car thermostat can be difficult on your wallet because it can ruin the car’s engine if you’re not careful. This is a critical component that, when faulty, must be repaired immediately. Read on to know more about the symptoms or warning signs of a bad car thermostat.
1. Overheating.
A bad thermostat can cause the car to swelter, as the thermostat is a heat-sensitive control device situated at the radiator hose. When the temperature of the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, this device should open to allow coolant to flow into the engine to regulate the heat. If the thermostat is stuck closed, antifreeze won’t flow from the radiator, resulting in the car overheating. Thus, if this happens, one of the possible causes is a broken thermostat.
This problem can definitely be attributed to other issues with the cooling system, such as leaking hoses, but checking for a bad thermostat should be on your list as well since this is a fairly cheap, easy fix.
This problem can definitely be attributed to other issues with the cooling system, such as leaking hoses, but checking for a bad thermostat should be on your list as well since this is a fairly cheap, easy fix.
2. Under Heating.
If the thermostat is trapped in an open setting, it leads to engine under heating. The open setting means that coolant will be constantly moving into the engine, regardless of whether it is hot enough to need it. Instead of ending up too hot all the time, the engine will then have an issue with being too cool.
If you have been driving for a few minutes and your vehicle’s temperature gauge needle is still sitting close to the bottom, it’s time to check your thermostat.
If you have been driving for a few minutes and your vehicle’s temperature gauge needle is still sitting close to the bottom, it’s time to check your thermostat.
3. Temperature Fluctuations.
A malfunctioning thermostat will result in odd temperature fluctuations throughout the operation of the engine. In this case, the thermostat won’t be stuck in any one position, but there will still be false readings causing problems with regulation. The engine temperature will change erratically while the radiator coolant is prohibited from flowing normally.
4. Poor Engine Performance.
If the engine’s operating temperature is all over the place while trying to function, engine performance will ultimately suffer. This could lead reduced gas mileage and, eventually, damage that will cost a bundle to fix.
If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to pop open your hood and check out your car’s thermostat. A new thermostat can be purchased at your local auto parts store and the repair is an easy one that can be done yourself if you’re looking to save some money.
If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to pop open your hood and check out your car’s thermostat. A new thermostat can be purchased at your local auto parts store and the repair is an easy one that can be done yourself if you’re looking to save some money.
BY doityourself.com
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