Car Thermostats

Car thermostats, as the name suggest, are devices that maintain the car temperature. The device is attached to a switch in the car that turns on the heater. If the car gets cold, the heater is turned on and when it is hot, the air conditioner is turned on. In automobiles there is a thermostatically controlled valve in the passenger compartment’s that regulates the water flow and the temperature.

Car thermostat uses an internal combustion engine to control the flow of the coolant. If the car gets hot, the thermostat is opened and the coolant passes through the cylinder head. It looses heat and the water pump propels the coolant around the system. If one needs to heat the car, the thermostat can be closed which will prevent the flow.

Car thermostats make use of a wax pellet, which is inside a sealed chamber. These thermostats can maintain different temperatures. Nowadays, many modern engines have come up which can run at over 80°C or 180°F.

Car Thermostats Maintenance

Car thermostats need very good maintenance as they play an important role in the performance of cars. These heat sensitive valves should be checked or changed during the radiator servicing. Thermostats are small and reasonably priced items.
The following steps should be taken for removing or replacing car thermostats:

  1. One needs to put the car on level ground and then drain the cooling system.
  2. Remove the thermostat and remember how it is positioned to put it back the same way.
  3. Remove any thick-crusted corrosion without letting it drop inside the water jacket.
  4. Clean the rims of the thermostat housing cover.
  5. Insert the new thermostat.
  6. Put on a new gasket and replace and tighten housing.
  7. Run the engine to check for leaks.
  8. Drive the car and check for the proper functioning of the new thermostat.
  9. Conclude with a final inspection for coolant leaks.


Last Updated on 1/3/2012