The thermostat opens and closes a valve to release coolant into the engine when it starts to get too hot. Over time, usually 10 years, the thermostat valve can get stuck in the closed position and cause damage. Stringer Auto Repair is going to list the signs of the faulty thermostat below so you know what to look for. It’s important to replace the thermostat once it has gone bad in order to protect your vehicle’s engine. Let’s talk more about this.
Corroded Thermostat
Specifically, when the thermostat valve is stuck it can cause coolant to pool around the thermostat and corrode it. Unfortunately, the corrosion will begin to eat away at the thermostat’s metal. You can visually inspect your thermostat to see if it looks as if it is rusting. If it is, you have a slow coolant leak most likely caused by a stuck thermostat valve. A stuck valve also prevents coolant from making its way into the engine when the engine needs it.
Leaking Engine Coolant
Unfortunately, a small leak can turn into a larger leak, and your thermostat will leak coolant onto the garage floor. If you have fluid spots on the garage floor, grab a white cloth and dab some of the fluid up. Take a look at the color of the fluid and then the color of your coolant. If the colors are the same, it’s possible that the thermostat is leaking coolant or another cooling system part such as the water pump, radiator, or radiator hoses.
Erratic Temperature Changes
Your thermostat can also malfunction once it gets too old. It can fail to read the engine’s temperature correctly and release coolant at the wrong time. You will see erratic temperature changes reflected on the dashboard’s temperature gauge if the thermostat is faulty. Your engine may go from running too cold to running too hot and then back to running too cold. This suggests that the thermostat is releasing the coolant erratically, and, as such, the temperature is changing erratically.
Constant Overheating
Finally, a stuck thermostat valve can make your engine overheat all the time. If the valve is stuck closed, the engine will not get coolant and will overheat quickly after you start it. If your engine has been heating up every time you drive your automobile, it’s possible that the thermostat has a valve stuck in the closed position or it has otherwise gone bad.
Call Stringer Auto Repair in Johnstown, OH, today if your vehicle is acting as if the thermostat is faulty. We will test the thermostat and replace it if necessary.
