A thermostat is a vital component of the vehicle’s cooling system. It measures the engine temperature and uses the information to regulate the flow of coolant. When the engine is too cold, the thermostat will stay closed to keep coolant out. When the engine is too hot, it will open to let coolant circulate to cool the engine down. Just like any of your vehicle parts, the thermostat can fail at any time.
Below are the top 3 symptoms that could indicate a failing thermostat:
Engine Overheating
One of the biggest problems with the thermostat is if it stays closed, which can lead to engine overheating. You can tell your engine is overheating by looking at the temperature gauge, which will read high after extensive driving. You might see smoke coming from under the hood as well.
Engine Runs Cold
When your engine stays cold, it won’t be able to perform optimally. In severe cases, it can force incomplete combustion. Another common side effect is if your heater is colder than usual. Since your engine can’t warm up, it is harder for you to get warm air inside the cabin.
Coolant Leak
When your thermostat stays closed, it can cause overheating problems in more ways than one. Aside from your engine not getting coolant, it can cause the coolant to overflow and leak out of the system. In this case, you will require professional assistance to fix the leak, replace the thermostat, and refill your vehicle with new fluid.
Cooling System & Thermostat Repairs in Walnut Creek, CA
A broken thermostat is more troubling than you may think. That is why you should always bring your car to the certified team at Roesbery Car Care Walnut Creek for all your cooling system needs. We are known for performing accurate diagnoses and effective repairs.