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5 thermostat failure symptoms
I. Why is it important to check the thermostat for failure symptoms?
Preventing our vehicle’s thermostat from failing requires taking into account some considerations. One of these will be to ensure that the coolant is replaced regularly and carefully so that air does not enter the system as this would lead to overheating and/or faulty sensors
Another factor to consider in preventive maintenance is visual inspection. Recommends inspecting the thermostat at the same time as the water pump and timing belt. Replacing them in one single operation will ensure that the valves are mounted in the correct position and that necessary fixings are avoided.
II. Thermostat failure symptoms that you should know
1. High temperature readings
The main symptoms of a failing thermostat are related to engine overheating. It can be easily noticed because the temperature gauge in the vehicle will probably read unusually high. This can be caused by the valves being stuck in a closed position. As a result, the coolant will not be able to flow and overheating will damage the engine.
Thermostat failure will commonly cause the whole cooling system functions erratically and fluctuates. Keeping an eye on the dashboard’s temperature gauge will allow you to realize if the needle spikes and drops. If this happens, it is probably due to temperature confusion caused by the failing thermostat. One of the symptoms of a bad thermostat related with the temperature is overcooling. It’s the opposite of overheating: the engine never reaches operating temperature. This happens when a thermostat gets stuck open and it causes its fair share of issues as well.
3. Leaking coolant
The coolant helps to keep the engine functioning at the right temperature, and the lack or imbalance of the fluid can affect its performance. If the vehicle’s coolant leaks out of the thermostat’s housing or under the vehicle, there is a big chance that the air is getting into the system or that the coolant is escaping it. But keep in mind coolant can leak from different parts, don’t automatically assume it’s coming from the thermostat housing.
Both engine overheating and engine overcooling can largely increase exhaust emissions and damage fuel economy. This happens because the vehicle is not able to reach its operating temperature. In this case, thermostat failure symptoms will most probably be translated into an increased fuel consumption and a resulting unexpected spike in monthly utility bills.
5. Unusual noises
Sounds coming from the engine, from the vibrator or from both could easily be symptoms of a failing thermostat. Gurling, knocking and rumbling sounds might be the result of boiling coolant caused by a stuck valve or by a worn-out thermostat.
