A thermostat is an essential part of running a car engine because it regulates the temperature using coolants. The thermostat, which is a cooling component, prevents the flow of coolants to the engine until the engine heats up. It has a sensor that opens it when the engine is running hot and restores it to the radiator's optimal operating temperatures.
In case the car engine heats up, and it remains like that, then the engine's performance will be affected because there is no way it will get to optimal working temperatures on its own. Before that happens, knowing how a normal and faulty thermostat works are vital for a car owner, driver, or mechanic. For that reason, the common symptoms that indicate a failing thermostat include:
1. An overheating engine
This is the first and most alarming symptom of a failing thermostat. When the temperature gauge is reading very high after starting the engine, and it remains the same for a while, that is a bad thermostat sign. It is an indication that the coolant has malfunctioned and cannot restore the vehicle's engine temperature to its normal operating temperatures. The obvious problem is the thermostat could not open and remain stuck as the engine continue to heat up
2. Very cold or under-heated engine
The cool temperature of the car engine also shows a failing thermostat. The under-heated engine could be that the thermostat failed to close and kept on releasing the coolants to the engine leading to the engine's poor performance.
3. Leaks around the thermostat housing
A failing thermostat is evident when leaks are everywhere near the thermostat housing that can also be seen under the vehicle. This happens when the thermostat remains closed after it senses the overheating engine, but the coolants try to find their way out. Other coolant components might also be leaking at the same time.
Repairing a thermostat is possible with the skills and experience of a professional mechanic. Once you notice the symptoms of a bad thermostat, it's time to look for one. If you need car thermostat repair, give our auto repair shop a call today!