If you have clocked 100,000 miles on the odometer and/or your vehicle is over 10 years old, it may be time for a new thermostat. Unfortunately, 100,000 miles is about the average lifespan of the factory thermostat. This is the cooling system part that keeps track of the engine’s temperature so it can open a valve to release the coolant when the engine needs it. The following are signs that your car needs a new thermostat.
Corroded Thermostat
The thermostat can spring a small leak that will cause the coolant to puddle around it. When this happens, you may end up with a corroded thermostat because it will rust. As the coolant starts to eat through the metal of the thermostat housing, the coolant leak will get worse. Consequently, you may end up with low coolant levels in the cooling system that can cause your car to overheat.
Leaking Coolant
In addition, you may start to see coolant on the garage floor. It is important that you avoid driving your automobile if it has a severe coolant leak. The reason why is that there will not be enough coolant to keep the engine’s temperature under 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, if the engine overheats and you continue to drive the vehicle, you can damage the engine severely.
Erratic Temperatures
Your vehicle may not be overheating but it may be fluctuating between hot and cold while you are driving the automobile. Erratic temperature changes in the engine are a sign that the thermostat is malfunctioning. Unfortunately, this can cause the engine to go from running too cold to running too hot because the thermostat is releasing the coolant sporadically.
The thermostat is not a cooling system part that can be repaired. Rather, if it can no longer read the engine’s temperature accurately, it will need to be replaced. Do not worry. We can do this at our shop relatively quickly. Erratic engine temperatures point to a faulty thermostat.
Constant Overheating
Finally, there may come a time when the thermostat dies completely. When this happens, your engine will overheat quickly after you start it. In addition, the engine will overheat all the time. This is a sign that the thermostat is not releasing the coolant into the engine to keep the engine temperature normal. This is a sign that you need a new thermostat.
Again, do not worry. We are here to help, and we can replace your thermostat. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
