Your car, truck, or C/SUV relies on the thermostat to keep track of the engine’s temperature and release the coolant when it starts to get too hot. The thermostat installed during assembly should last anywhere from seven to 10 years. If you drive an older automobile and notice any of the following problems, Righter’s Auto Repair advises that it’s likely time to replace the thermostat. We can do that at either of our auto service shops in Michigan.
Rusty Thermostat Housing
A rusty or corroded thermostat housing is a sign that the thermostat is leaking engine coolant. In this case, the leak is slow so you won’t end up with coolant spots on the garage floor. Rather, the coolant will seep out of the closed valve and puddle around the thermostat. As the coolant meets with the air, it will harden into a gel. This gel will slowly rust and corrode the metal housing around the thermostat.
Leaking Engine Coolant
Eventually, the coolant gel can eat through the thermostat housing and cause a bigger leak. In this case, you will see spots or even puddles of coolant on your garage floor. This can greatly reduce the levels of coolant in the engine and cause the engine to overheat. It’s important to have any coolant leaks repaired right away to avoid the overheating. An engine that is running too hot constantly can end up with expensive and nearly irreparable damage such as a cracked cylinder block or head gasket.
Erratic Temperature Changes
A faulty thermostat can also malfunction and wreak havoc in the engine in terms of its temperature. You may see your temperature needle going up and down between cold and hot erratically if the thermostat is releasing the engine coolant at the wrong time. This can be a sign that the thermostat is no longer able to read the engine’s temperature accurately or there is a problem with the coolant release valve.
Constant Overheating
Finally, as we mentioned above, thermostat problems can make your car’s engine overheat constantly. Unfortunately, thermostat problems can also make the engine overheat quickly. It’s dangerous to drive your automobile with an overheating engine. Not only can you cause the damage discussed above, but you can also blow the radiator cap or cause the engine to seize up and die completely.
Righter’s Auto Repair in Grand Ledge or Lansing, MI, is here to help, so call us today if you suspect your vehicle’s thermostat is going bad.
