The thermostat plays an important role in a car. It maintains the temperature inside and on the engine to avoid complications on the system. That’s why it is important to maintain and make sure it is functioning well. If you have troubles with your thermostat then contact NOLA Automotive Repairs thermostat repair services. Here are 5 Symptoms of A Bad Thermostat and Replacement Cost to be more aware of what to expect.
How A Car Thermostat Works
The thermostat functions by controlling the amount of coolant that goes into the engine. Once the engine starts the thermostat closes. As you drive the engine gets hotter and the thermostat opens to let coolant enter the engine and prevent it from overheating. On the other hand, you keep your engine on while parked. The thermostat remains closed and will take time before it opens. Coolant temperature sensors will detect the current temperature of the engine and send the signal to the thermostat so it can release coolants if necessary.
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5 Bad Thermostat Symptoms
There are indications that can tell if your thermostat is not in aa good condition:
1. Reading on the Temperature Gauge is Higher.
Normally when you start your car the needle pointer on your thermostat starts to go up until it reaches the middle and continues to go up to the maximum then the tendency is the thermostat is close. Continuing to drive despite the abnormality on the reading gauge can cause more damage to your car. Once your gauge goes up you should stop for a while to cool down your engine.
2. Sudden Air Temperature Change
Sudden change in the temperature inside the vehicle is already a sign that your thermostat is working well if it matches the sudden change in the temperature. If it does the opposite then your thermostat is not working well.
3. Leaking of Coolant
When a thermostat is faulty it can remain in a closed position despite the rising temperature in the car. This blocks the coolant to the engine and can cause it to overheat. When these issues are overlooked the next thing to have issues will be the coolant hoses.
4. Rumbling Noises
A noise that resembles knocking, gurgling or boiling sound can be heard coming from the radiator or engine or both. These sounds can be an indication that the thermostat isn’t functioning well. Then you have to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage.
5. Malfunction of Heater
During the winter season, the thermostat should remain in a closed position due to the coldness of the temperature but if it stays in an open position then there is certainly a problem. This can cause the coolant to flow to the engine and when this happens the engine will not need it. Instead, it will flow inside the car and the air will fail to keep the inside of your car warm.
What is the Car Thermostat Replacement Cost?
It depends on the model and the make of the vehicle. If your vehicle is a common one $20 to $80 is good enough to replace the thermostat plus labor cost of $120 to $220. Replacing a thermostat may be done in 1 to 2 hours. So it won’t take too long. Most car owners would attempt to change the thermostat on their own, but if you are not good at it you might not like the result. So better have it done by the experts.
How Do Mechanics Replace The Engine Cooling System Thermostat?
There are several steps to be done to replace your thermostat. That’s why it is best to have it replaced by your mechanic. Here are some of the few steps needed to be done
- Cooling the engine
- Coolant draining
- Get access to the thermostat housing
- Appropriate usage of tools
- Removing the thermostat housing
- Checking the alignment of the thermostat
- Cleaning of the matting surface
- Installing New thermostat
Having a systematic approach to installing a new thermostat is needed to fix the thermostat. Knowing the 5 symptoms of a bad thermostat (and replacement cost) can help you understand why professional help is needed instead of doing it by yourself. Getting experts can help you save time and money since they know exactly what they will be doing.
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