Generally, car thermostats last 10 years. This being said, yours may fail prior to this or last even longer. RI Automotive is going to list the signs of a bad car thermostat below so you know what to look for. If you suspect that your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s thermostat is going bad, bring your automobile to our shop so we can test it. If it is bad, don’t worry. We can install a new thermostat that will restore your car’s cooling system functionality. Let’s talk more about this below.
Rusted Thermostat Housing
One sign that your thermostat is going bad is if the housing gets rusted. This can happen if the thermostat has a small leak. Older thermostats tend to develop leaks out of the coolant valve. This is the valve that the thermostat opens and closes to release coolant into the engine when it needs it. Sometimes, this valve can get stuck, and when this happens, coolant leaks out and puddles around the thermostat housing. Unfortunately, this causes the housing to rust.
Coolant on the Garage Floor
Eventually, your car’s thermostat may start to leak coolant onto the garage floor. This can reduce the level of coolant in the cooling system and make it dangerous to drive your automobile. If you suspect that you do have a coolant leak, check the overflow reservoir when the engine is cold to see if the coolant level is below the minimum line. If it is, you need to add coolant to the cooling system. Make sure you add the correct coolant recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Odd Temperature Fluctuations
Another sign that your thermostat is going bad is strange temperature fluctuations reflected by the temperature gauge on the dashboard. Sometimes, an old thermostat will malfunction and become unable to read the engine’s temperature correctly. When this happens, it may not release coolant at the right time. Unfortunately, your engine’s temperature will fluctuate between cold and hot erratically. Replacing the thermostat solves this problem.
A Constant Overheating Engine
Finally, a faulty thermostat will make your engine overheat constantly. In fact, in most cases, the engine will overheat shortly after you start it. This is an indication that the engine is not getting the coolant it needs to operate at a temperature that is below 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The likely culprit is a faulty thermostat.
As we mentioned above, RI Automotive in Tampa, FL, would be happy to test your car’s thermostat and replace it if necessary. Call us today for an appointment.
