BJ’s Automotive is going to list the problems that will occur when your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s thermostat gets too old. The point at which this happens is usually after the odometer has turned 100,000 miles. Another gauge is the age of the vehicle. The thermostat generally lasts 10 years. If you are having any of the problems listed below, bring your vehicle to our shop so we can inspect the thermostat and test it. This will tell us if it needs to be replaced, which we can also do.
The Thermostat Will Corrode
If your thermostat is corroded, we need to replace it. As the thermostat ages, it tends to leak coolant out of the coolant valve. This slow leak goes undetected because the coolant puddles around the thermostat housing rather than drips on the garage floor. Consequently, the moisture on the housing corrodes it and causes rust to eat through it. Once this happens?
The Thermostat Will Leak
Once the thermostat starts to leak, you will see either a puddle of coolant or spots of coolant on the garage floor. This leak is more severe and can actually cause your engine to run hotter or overheat completely. If you have noticed lately that the engine is running hotter, check the coolant level in the engine when it is cold. If it is low, it’s possible that the thermostat is leaking.
The Thermostat Will Malfunction
The thermostat can also start to malfunction once it goes bad. In this case, malfunctioning means that it cannot detect the engine’s temperature and so it either fails to release the coolant into the engine or it releases it at the wrong time. Consequently, your engine temperature will never be normal. Rather, the engine will either run too cold or too hot. In fact, if the thermostat is really malfunctioning, you may see the needle on the temperature gauge move up and down sporadically.
The Engine Will Overheat
Finally, there’s no way to avoid the engine overheating if the thermostat is too old. Generally, the thermostat malfunctions and dies. Once this happens, your engine will overheat very quickly after you start it. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, the engine’s temperature will not be reduced because it will not have coolant circulating through it. Don’t drive your automobile when it is in this condition.
Rather, have your vehicle towed to BJ’s Automotive in Everett, WA, so we can inspect the thermostat and replace it if it needs it.
