What Does A Thermostat Do? What Are The Signs Of A Failing Thermostat?

The thermostat is responsible for regulating coolant flow through the engine. If the engine is cold, it stays closed to let it warm up. As the engine heats up, the thermostat gradually opens, allowing coolant to reach the radiator. Whenever it begins to fail, the engine overheats and, if the problem is left unchecked, leads to your engine boiling over. This can lead to costly repairs.

While relatively cheap, a thermostat is one of the most crucial car parts. If you don’t want to change your engine entirely, you must address the root issue with your failing thermostat. You’ll need to look out for the following signs:

• Overheating (or overcooling)
• Coolant leaking
• Erratic temperature changes
• Strange sounds
• Heater problems