A Faulty Thermostat Can Create Problems in the Engine

Stop by Total Auto Care if you believe the thermostat in the cooling system has gone bad. We will inspect the thermostat and test it to make sure that it is functioning properly. If the thermostat is over 10 years old, it is most likely malfunctioning. When this happens, you will have problems in the engine that include constant overheating. Let's talk about the signs that your car has a faulty thermostat below so you know what to look for in your automobile. Don't worry. We can replace the thermostat.

Rusty Thermostat

The thermostat will need to be replaced if it has developed a slow leak. When this happens, the coolant seeps out of the thermostat and settles around it. The coolant turns into a gel that starts to eat away at the metal housing that surrounds the thermostat. Consequently, the thermostat needs to be replaced before the coolant creates a larger leak. If you look at your thermostat and you see rust on it, it is leaking slowly. Come to our shop so we can install a new one.

Coolant Leak

You may not realize that the thermostat has a slow leak before it is too late. Once it is too late, you will have a coolant leak that leaves coolant on the garage floor. Naturally, when this much coolant is leaking out of the engine, the engine's temperature is going to rise every time you drive your automobile. We recommend that you avoid driving your vehicle if the engine is running too hot to prevent damaging the engine severely. Severe damage includes a cracked cylinder block.

Erratic Temperatures

Sometimes, the thermostat does not develop a leak but it does start to malfunction. When this happens, your engine's temperature is going to become completely unpredictable. The coolant will misread the engine's temperature and release the coolant when the engine doesn't need it. This will make your engine run too cold. The thermostat may also fail to release the coolant when the engine does need it, and this will make your engine run too hot.

Overheating

Finally, as we have touched upon above, your engine is going to overheat constantly if there is a malfunctioning thermostat in the cooling system. In fact, if the thermostat does not release the coolant when the engine's temperature starts to rise, you may have an overheating engine shortly after you start your car, SUV, or truck.Total Auto Care in North Branch, MN, is here to help, so call us today so we can replace your vehicle's thermostat if it needs it.