One of the most frustrating parts of owning a car is dealing with unforeseen maintenance issues. One of those concerns the internal thermostat system. At some point or another, drivers will experience challenges with this vital part. In order to address this issue and get the proper care, it’s best to understand what the thermostat controls, how to identify potential problems, and how to troubleshoot them.
You may initially think this piece is responsible for balancing your temperature while driving. However, the internal temperature has nothing to do with the AC unit. In order for your car to operate at its highest potential, coolant has to flow throughout the engine. Coolant that is too hot or too frigid negatively impacts your engine, causing it to overheat or break down in the middle of driving.
This causes a domino effect on other parts of your vehicle. If the engine isn’t working, neither will other parts of the car. You will also experience an increase in breakdowns, thus preventing you from having an optimal driving experience.
One of the foremost reasons why your thermostat gets damaged is due to debris and contaminants in your coolant. When the coolant is filled with debris, it makes it increasingly hard for the thermostat to open and regulate the temperature. When left unattended to over time, the engine could fail, causing inexpensive damages.
One of the primary reasons why this occurs is because 2 different types of coolants were placed in the thermostat. Debris will accumulate due to the lack of consistency, causing blockages. Next, if your thermostat has too much water inside, it could lead to debris buildup thus blocking the thermostat.
One of the primary signs of a broken thermostat is frequent overheating. If your car guzzles down coolant and still breaks down, there’ a good sign the problem lies in your thermostat.
Next, you can look at your temperature gauge. If it’s flashing red, then your car may be trying to warn you that your thermostat needs to be checked out.
Another sign is an imbalanced radiator temperature. If your engine is piping hot but the radiator is cold, then the thermostat isn’t regulating the temperature properly. This could be the reason for frequent overheating episodes and other engine issues.
You can fix this issue yourself if you have the tools needed for the job. First, locate the thermostat, then remove it carefully. Heat up a pot of water and put the thermostat in it. Once the water reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit, check to see if the thermostat opens up. If it doesn’t move, that’s a tell-tale sign that the thermostat is broken and needs an immediate repair.
Next, if all else fails, you can replace the coolant in your vehicle. Since coolant that is filled with debris and contaminant is responsible for temperature issues, it’s safe to assume that replacing it should solve those problems. It’s always best to use premium materials in your vehicle if you want to reap optimal benefits, especially when dealing with liquids.
After you replace the coolant, see if that makes a difference in your vehicle’s performance. If your car is still overheating or performing strange, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your mechanic.
Since troubleshooting this issue yourself requires specialized tools and expertise, it’s best for the health of you and the car to get professional help from a trained mechanic. Going the do-it- yourself route could result in irreversible damage to the car and possible injuries to you. Take your vehicle to a trusted shop and let them diagnose the issue themselves. You’ll feel more confident knowing that your car is properly fixed.