It May Be Time to Change Your Vehicles Thermostat

December 11, 2020

A woman is standing next to a broken down car on the side of the road. | Lex Brodies

The thermostat within your vehicle maintains the engine's temperature and ensures it's operating with a range that's specified in your vehicle's owner's manual. Thermostats serve two main functions, to heat the engine and keep it consistently at optimum temperature. As you drive, the thermostat gets older and worn. A worn thermostat can get stuck open or closed, leading to an array of problems. It may not be easy to determine whether the thermostat is the main problem culprit when issues occur. Below we provide a brief overview of signs to look out for that indicate the thermostat needs to be replaced.  

There's cold air blowing through the heater vents.
If the thermostat is stuck open, the temperature within the engine will decrease. 

The engine is overheating.
If the engine is smoking and overheating, the thermostat may be stuck closed. A thermostat that is stuck in the closed position will not allow the coolant to flow adequately. In severe cases, the engine can overheat in less than 15 minutes. 

There's a noticeable difference in drivability and handling.
A faulty thermostat will not be able to maintain the appropriate temperature for a vehicle to function effectively. Your engine will struggle to power the car. These problems result in a domino effect that impacts other aspects of your vehicle, such as fuel economy. You'll find yourself spending a bit more than usual to keep your gas tank full. 

If there's a problem with the thermostat, the check engine light may not always come on. It's essential to be vigilant to any potential signs that your vehicle needs to be serviced. Consistent overheating can cause long term engine damage that'll hurt your wallet. A thermostat replacement is simple and easy to fix; long term engine damage isn't. 

Thermostat replacement in Honolulu, HI

Some drivers like to treat replacing the thermostat as a DIY project. If you don't have the time nor patience to replace it, we have the automotive experts to assist you. Thermostat replacement is a straightforward service, and we have five convenient locations you can drop your vehicle. If you fail to replace it when it's starting to fail, your car may overheat and impact drivability and safety. A thermostat replacement at LexBrodies also allows us to inspect your vehicle and ensure nothing else is going on. When you need automotive maintenance, you can trust, our ASE certified technicians are available to serve you. 

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