Your car needs to be kept at an optimal temperature at all times. Too cold, and the components can shrink or become brittle. Too hot, and they can expand and fracture. Thus, it is imperative that you maintain the proper temperature of your engine, so your vehicle operates at maximum efficiency. But how do you check your car’s temperature? Simply by using an automotive thermostat. Below we’ll outline what exactly an automotive thermostat is, and how to accurately read and maintain it.
Automotive Thermostat Basics
For most modern cars, the engine operates at an ideal temperature of roughly 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this, and the engine is considered “cold”, and will burn through fuel much less efficiently. Once the engine has exceeded this temperature, however, it requires coolant to stay as close to it as possible. This is where the automotive thermostat comes in. The device itself acts as a release valve for the coolant to enter the engine. It regulates the flow of coolant to prevent it from entering an engine that has not yet reached its optimal temperature. The way the automotive thermostat works is there is a valve that is either opened or closed. Controlling this valve is a small reservoir of wax; when this wax heats up, it expands, allowing the valve to be opened. Once it has cooled off and hardened, however, then it keeps the valve closed.
Maintenance
Because the automotive thermostat is such a critical component of your engine, it’s imperative that it be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Typically, the coolant for your car includes anti-corrosive properties; this helps ensure that your automotive thermostat doesn’t corrode after repeated use. However, over time, as the coolant runs low, your thermostat starts to wear down. When this happens, it can cause the valve to stay in the open position. As a result, it can cause your engine to stay colder longer, which can both damage the engine and reduce fuel efficiency. Usually, it’s best to replace your automotive thermostat when you replace your coolant, to ensure that both are operating efficiently. Thermostats are relatively cheap, so this shouldn’t be much of an issue.
If you have any questions regarding automotive thermostats, MotoRad can help you figure out if yours needs replacing, and how to install a new one if that is the case. Automotive thermostats can be vital to your car’s success, so make sure you take care of yours.
