How Do You Know If Your Thermostat Is Going Bad?

What is a Thermostat?

There are a few ways to tell if a thermostat is going bad. The thermostat keeps your vehicle running at it's proper temperature, so keep an eye on the temperature gauge of your vehicle and if it starts moving up on the hot side and then kicks back down to a normal state, it should be functioning correctly. You want to make sure that your vehicle temperature climbs to a high temperature and then decreases.

If the thermostat does not start decreasing until and it reaches a danger zone, then the thermostat may be faulty and need to be replaced. The reason for this is because at a certain heat (which will vary for each car) the thermostat should open, causing the engine to cool down. However, the thermostat is a safety mechanism and should not allow your vehicle to reach a dangerous level which can cause the engine to overheat and damage the mechanisms of the engine or much more problems can occur.

How do I know if my thermostat is functioning correctly?

One way to test whether your thermostat is functioning properly is to turn your ignition off and wait for the engine to cool down. Once cooled, start the engine and open the hood. There will be two radiator hoses (see image below), as you leave the engine running one hose should stay cool, while the other warms up. The cool radiator hose should only change temperature once the thermostat has opened. If this is not the case then it sounds like you may have a faulty thermostat that needs to be replaced.

How do I know when to replace my thermostat?

A thermostat replacement isn't as big of a deal as you might think, as the price of thermostats are not that expensive to replace compared to many other parts on your engine. It would be a good idea to get it replaced as soon as possible if you realize it is faulty and fails the above test. Remember, a bad thermostat could cause more damage to the vehicle and end up costing you more money in the long-run the longer you leave your temperature of your motor at a dangerously high level.

Make an appointment today with Rick's Complete Automotive (707)887-1641. We will evaluate your cooling system and make sure your motor is running at it's proper temperature level.

Rick's Complete Automotive

6560 Railroad Ave.

Forestville, CA 95436

(707) 887-1641