As your vehicle ages, its components endure natural wear and tear. One of those components may include the thermostat. Your car’s thermostat is part of the cooling system, and it is in charge of measuring the engine’s temperature. It allows the release of coolant when the engine gets too hot. Below are some of the symptoms that your thermostat has gone bad.
Overheating
The most common sign of a bad thermostat is engine overheating. If the wrong temperature is being read or the thermostat is stuck closed, it won’t release the coolant necessary to cool down your engine. It’s important to replace a malfunctioning thermostat as soon as possible. An engine that overheats can be severely damaged.
Fluctuating Temperature Gauge
Another sign that your thermostat is broken is an erratic temperature gauge. This gauge is located on your dashboard. If you notice that the temperature fluctuates a lot, this can indicate that the thermostat is malfunctioning.
Coolant Leaks
Last but not least, the third symptom that you need a replacement is if your vehicle develops a coolant leak. Sometimes, the leak may be subtle, while other times, it may not. If you see coolant under your parked car, you should definitely take it to our auto repair shop for inspections and repairs.
26th Street Auto Center is a trusted source for honest and reliable cooling system inspections. If you suspect your vehicle’s thermostat is going bad, don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit.