What Does A Thermostat Do In A Car? Everything You Need To Know
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Your car has many features to ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience. Many of these features and components go unnoticed because they perform their functions in the background. One such component is your car’s thermostat.
Many would probably think it’s no big deal if you have a faulty thermostat, but they couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, the car thermostat is one of the most integral parts of your vehicle.
But what does a thermostat do in a car?
To put it simply, the thermostat is a critical component of the engine’s cooling system. For today’s post, we answer the question: “what does a thermostat do in a car?” Plus, everything else you need to know about your car’s thermostat.
What’s a Car Thermostat?
Generally, a thermostat’s job is to regulate the temperature or control another device, like your home’s air conditioner. Just like in your home, your vehicle also has a built-in thermostat whose sole job is to regulate the engine’s temperature and ensure it stays cool.
Most modern vehicles operate at a specific temperature range for optimal performance – the temperature can range from 195ºF to 220ºF. The car’s thermostat works to ensure that the engine maintains a temperature within said range. Essentially, it’s a small device located between the car’s radiator and the engine. Specifically, the thermostat’s principal function is regulating the coolant flow between the engine and the radiator.
For the uninitiated, the engine coolant flows through the engine and picks up excess heat. Then the hot liquid coolant will flow back to the radiator to cool down the excessive heat before it flows back to the engine. Think of it as a gate valve that allows or closes the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator, depending on the engine’s actual temperature.
Overall, the car thermostat ensures optimal working temperatures within the engine’s cooling system. It prevents the engine from becoming too hot, which may lead to irreversible engine damage.
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How Does a Car Thermostat Work?
As mentioned, the thermostat is located between the radiator and the engine. When the engine is not yet warm, then the flowing coolant is also not hot enough. This means it’s not yet necessary for the coolant to flow to the radiator to cool down. This is where the thermostat comes in because it prevents the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator. This allows the engine to achieve its optimal working temperatures a lot quicker.
Once the ideal temperatures are reached in the engine, the thermostat allows the flow of the “hot” coolant liquid into the radiator. The trip to the radiator brings down the temperature of the coolant before it flows back to the engine.
Without a working thermostat, it will take a long while before the engine reaches its optimal working temperature. For cars with an electronic fuel injection system, more fuel may be delivered to the engine to accelerate the warming process. This can negatively impact your car’s fuel economy.
The thermostat is an integral component that responds to the changes in the temperature of the coolant. The thermostat remains closed if the coolant is cold and blocks all coolant flow. On the flip side, once the ideal temperatures are achieved, the thermostat allows the coolant to flow into the radiator.
So how does the thermostat sense the temperature, so it knows when to open or close?
The car thermostat has a cylinder on its side that’s filled with wax. Once the engine starts warming up, the wax expands and pushes on a rod that consequently opens the thermostat, enabling coolant flow. Conversely, once the engine cools down, the wax will begin to harden, which closes the thermostat.
This is a continuous process, and the thermostat is never totally closed or opened during regular operation. It’s a straightforward mechanism, but it tremendously helps the engine to operate at the best possible temperature.
How Do You Know if You Have a Faulty Car Thermostat?
At this point, we should have answered the question, “what does a thermostat do in a car?” But how do you determine if you have a faulty or failing thermostat? Here are some telltale signs to look for:
Overheated Engine
The thermostat is an integral part of the engine’s cooling system because, without it, the engine will overheat and eventually result in total loss or failure. If the thermostat remains closed, the coolant will not flow into the radiator, preventing the cooldown process. But of course, an overheating engine may be due to many other reasons, like a faulty water pump or low coolant levels.
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Engine Not Warming Up
On the other hand, if the thermostat becomes stuck in the open position, the coolant will flow back and forth between the engine and the radiator. This results in a scenario where the engine takes longer to reach optimal operating temperatures. This will lead to less efficient engine oil consumption and faster wear and tear. Plus, this will also reduce fuel economy, especially for vehicles with an electronic fuel injection system.
Temperature Fluctuations in the Engine
Fluctuations in the engine temperature usually point to a faulty thermostat – it’s likely not opening or closing when it’s supposed to. This happens because the thermostat doesn’t stay open or closed, which leads to temperature fluctuations and false readings. This issue may also stem from air bubbles in the system, which can be eliminated by bleeding the cooling system.
Underperforming Engine
A faulty thermostat may still allow you to drive your vehicle, but not in an optimal manner. When there’s something wrong with your thermostat, there’s a good chance it will affect the engine’s performance. One of the most apparent side effects is poor fuel efficiency. Again, this issue may be due to a dozen other factors, but it’s always good to check your thermostat.
What does a thermostat do in a car? We hope you learned that today and realize the importance of this small component. Fortunately, replacing a thermostat is relatively inexpensive, about $10 to $15 for a standalone unit.
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