Signs of a Bad Car Thermostat

 

Once the engine begins to overheat, the thermostat in your car is in charge of releasing coolant into the combustion chamber. If you drive an older car, it's a good idea to be aware of the symptoms that the thermostat is malfunctioning as this temperature gauge can stop working after around 10 years. Search for car repairs and book an appointment now to find out more.

What does the thermostat do?

The thermostat is in charge of controlling the engine's coolant flow. It remains closed if the engine is cold to allow it to warm up. The thermostat gradually opens as the engine warms up, allowing coolant to enter the radiator. The engine overheats once it starts to malfunction, and if the issue is not fixed, it can eventually boil over. Costly repairs may result from this. Search for car garages in reading to book an appointment ASAP with a certified mechanic.

What are the signs of a failing car thermostat?

High Temp Reading

Engine overheating is one of the main signs of a failed thermostat. The vehicle's temperature gauge will likely show an exceptionally high temperature, making it simple to detect. The valves may become jammed closed as a result of this. As a result, the coolant won't be able to circulate, which could cause the engine to overheat and break.

Coolant Leaks

When a thermostat malfunctions, it frequently remains in the closed position. Coolant will leak out of the thermostat housing when the engine overheats. As a result, coolant seeping from your engine may indicate that your thermostat needs to be replaced. Additionally, it can indicate that there is an issue with the radiator, the radiator hoses, or the seals and gaskets.

Ineffective operation of the engine

It's possible that the thermostat isn't effectively blocking coolant admission to your engine if your car's engine is operating at a lower capacity than typical. It's possible that the thermostat is stuck open. The engine may be receiving too much coolant, causing a considerably lower-than-required temperature. In this situation, be sure to have your thermostat inspected for damage. For engine repairs, search for garages in Reading and book an appointment now with a qualified mechanic.

Increased Fuel Consumption

Both engine overheating and cooling issues can significantly raise exhaust emissions and reduce fuel efficiency. This occurs as a result of the vehicle's inability to attain its operational temperature. In this instance, the indications of a thermostat malfunction will most likely manifest as higher fuel usage and an unanticipated rise in utility costs.

Build-Up of Deposits & Rust

Knowing what's going on under the hood of your car is necessary to recognise this symptom. When inspecting your engine cooling system, if you discover that your car's thermostat is rusted or blocked, it may soon fail. To keep the engine from being harmed, replace the thermostat if it is rusted or clogged. Incorrect coolant usage can shorten the lifespan of your thermostat and harm the cooling system. Search to check MOT history to see what previous issues your car has had to sort them out in the future to avoid any problems.