The thermostat is a vital component of your vehicle's engine. It is essentially a small valve inside the cooling system that will open and close in response to the coolant temperature. When coolant is still cool, like when you first start your vehicle, this valve will remain closed. However, once your vehicle starts moving and your engine warms up, the valve will open and close and coolant will circulate from the engine to the radiator.
A faulty thermostat is a common issue that can occur with the cooling system in our vehicles, especially considering how much work this system does on the daily. If your vehicle's thermostat does need to be replaced, you will notice some symptoms. Although these symptoms can indicate other problems, a faulty thermostat is potential cause. Here are some of those symptoms to look out for:
- Overheating engine
- Temperature gauge is reading very cold or very hot
- Coolant leak or engine part corrosion
Most vehicle's factory recommendations will guide you on how often your thermostat should be checked to ensure that it is working properly. Many times, a thermostat replacement will be recommended if you are already getting another cooling system repair performed, such as a water pump replacement.
If you do feel that your vehicle is due for thermostat repair in Farmington MI, don't hesitate to bring your vehicle into the professionals here at The Detroit Garage today!