Thermostat

The thermostat in your vehicle is a part of your cooling system and it performs a function similar to the thermostat in your home. At home, you set your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature range and then, when your home gets too hot, the air conditioning kicks on or when it gets too cool, the heater turns on.

Now your engine also has an optimal temperature range: warm enough to run efficiently and not so hot as to cause engine damage. Your vehicle's thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator. When Stevens Point residents first start their vehicle, their engine is cold and the valve (thermostat) is closed, allowing the coolant surrounding the engine to warm up to the proper operating temperature. As the coolant gets hotter, the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow through to the radiator to be cooled. The thermostat opens and closes to keep the engine within a certain temperature range.

Thermostats are rated for a specific temperature depending on the engine – they're not a one size fits all proposition - and thermostats are subject to normal wear. Proper operation depends on a special wax that expands as it heats up to open a spring-loaded valve. A worn thermostat could stick in the open position causing the engine to run too cool. This is inefficient and could affect performance and fuel economy. If a thermostat sticks in the closed position, the engine can be subject to the results of overheating.

There isn't a specific routine for thermostat maintenance, but maintaining your cooling system by changing the coolant/antifreeze on schedule will make sure the coolant has enough corrosion inhibitors to protect the thermostat and other system components. The team at Daddio's OnPoint Auto Repair in Stevens Point may recommend replacing your thermostat when you do a coolant flush or exchange, based on information they gather from you at your appointment. Also, thermostats usually wear out faster than your hoses, so if a worn hose replacement is performed, the Daddio's OnPoint techs will very likely suggest replacing the thermostat at the same time.

Even if there isn't a thermostat maintenance check, your vehicle does have a built-in fail safe with regard to a thermostat that might be failing. Notice your temperature gauge or dashboard indicator - if yours is red or the needle is well to the hot side, than it's best to give us a call and make arrangements to get into the shop immediately. There may not be an issue, but just like the control signals at intersections - green means go, yellow is caution and red is STOP! if you've got any dashboard light that is red, it's best to come see us immediately! You don't want to drive a "too hot" vehicle as many more issues can arise and significant engine damage can occur if you do.

The thermostat is a relatively inexpensive part that stands guard between you and catastrophic engine damage. Follow your owner's manual instructions, or check with your friendly and knowledgeable Daddio's OnPoint Auto Repair, LLC service advisor to see if it's time for a cooling system inspection or service.

Give us a call; we're fixing cars weekdays from 7am to 5pm.

John Ross & Tony Moretto, Co-Owners

Daddio's OnPoint Auto Repair, LLC
3446 Church Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Shop | 715.575.2055
http://www.daddiosautorepair.com