Every car is equipped with a thermostat and it is an important part of the cooling system. The car thermostat regulates the coolant flow between the radiator and engine. To put it simply, a car thermostat controls the flow of hot water towards the radiator.
The basic function of a thermostat valve in a car is to maintain the minimum operating temperature in the vehicle’s engine. From the moment a car starts, the thermostat monitors the engine coolant temperature and properly regulates the coolant flow through the radiator, making sure the car engine is operating at the right temperature.
How a Car Thermostat Works
When the engine is cold, the car thermostat blocks the coolant flow from going into your engine allowing the car to warm up as quickly as possible. As the temperature increases, the thermostat opens slowly.
The coolant flows through the engine and picks up the heat. The hot coolant from the engine then goes in the radiator and cools down. The water pump pushes the coolant with lower temperature back in the car engine.
The thermostat valve in cars is situated between the engine and radiator. When the coolant is too hot, the valve opens and lets the hot coolant flow through the radiator where it cools down. On the other hand, if the coolant is not hot, the valve stays closed and the coolant continues to circulate in the block.
The opening and closing of the valve is controlled by a type of wax. The car thermostat expands when the heat gets to a certain temperature, letting the valve open. On the other hand, when the coolant temperature is at the optimum level, the wax shrinks and the valve closes again. The basic function of a car thermostat is to prevent the engine from overheating. Any car running on hot coolant will never cool down, the car will overheat and this may damage the engine.
How to Fix a Faulty Car Thermostat
Overheating, poor engine performance and temperature fluctuations are among the common symptoms of a bad car thermostat. To fix a faulty car engine thermostat, go through the following steps:
- To remove the used thermostat put a drain pan under the car radiator drain plug for the engine coolant.
- Use proper removal tools, wrench and pliers to loosen the drain plug and flow the coolant into the drain pan.
- Locate the car thermostat, remove the necessary hoses, fittings and bolts attached to it.
- Using the gasket scraper clean excess sealing material to clean the thermostat’s mating surface.
- Torque the mounting bolts of the thermostat housing according to factory specifications.
- Reinstall the necessary hoses and fittings.
- Then tighten the radiator drain plug carefully.
- Replace the used coolant and refill the coolant reservoir.
- Turn on the vehicle and check for any coolant leaks, ensuring all air escapes out of the cooling system.
- Dispose the heated coolant in compliance with environmental standards.
- If the problem persists, replace the car thermostat. Though there is no set lifespan of a car thermostat, it is advised to replace it incase of excess wear.
That is all about the car thermostat, its functions and replacement. If you are looking for car thermostat radiators go through this list of auto accessories & parts in the UAE. Besides, if you are looking to buy a vehicle, here is a list of used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on car parts and repairs.
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