The thermostat measures and helps regulate the temperature inside the car’s engine and if need be, it triggers the ECU to illuminate the overheating sign in the dash. Moreover, it signals the radiator to absorb and disseminate heat from the engine, bringing it to its optimum operating temperature. The thermostat is a small component but it is a vital one and it is certainly required for the smooth functioning of your vehicle.
It consists of a valve spring that regulates the amount of coolant that passes through the engine. When the block is overheating, the valve opens and more coolant is allowed to pass through, whereas when the engine is cold, the valve shuts tight, barring any liquid from passing through. In other words, the thermostat acts like a get keeper who must be vigilant at all times.
It is the engine’s temperature that signals it to work. In reality, the valve is never fully open or closed, since it takes a bit of both opening and closing to regulate the temperature.
Symptoms of a bad thermostat
By now you must have a small idea of the thermostat’s importance. If it fails or malfunctions, you are bound to face serious issues. It helps to know about the symptoms of a bad thermostat so you can fix the old one or buy a new one. Let’s take a look at some of the tell-tale signs of a failing thermostat.
Engine Very Hot or Cold
We already know that the thermostat controls the engine temperature. So, the first thing that could put doubt in your mind is the engine’s temperature rating. If it’s too hot or too cold, chances are that the thermostat is not doing its job properly and it needs to be replaced. There could also be a problem with the radiator, or the coolant might have run out, so you need to check all the possibilities before you contemplate changing the thermostat.
Erratic Temperature Change
The thermostat must ensure the engine remains at its operating temperature. It can do that by allowing more or less of the coolant from going inside the block. If the thermostat malfunctions, it will not be able to regulate the temperature levels as well as it used to and that will result in erratic temperature changes.
Leaking Coolant
The only thing stopping the coolant from reaching the engine is the thermostat. If the thermostat valve spring is completely shut, the coolant won’t be able to pass. When this happens, the coolant will start to leak from several places. If you can spot a leak inside the engine bay or a patch of liquid beneath your car then the thermostat may have gone bad. If this happens, you will need a car thermostat replacement.
Keep reading: Industrias Dolz launches its new range of thermostats
Car thermostat replacement: how to do it?
Your car’s thermostat has malfunctioned and you need to replace it with a new one. How do you do it? It is not that difficult and if you follow the instructions provided below you will be able to make the car thermostat replacement with good results.
- Locate the Thermostat
You want to replace the part but first, you need to identify where it is located. Fortunately, the thermostat is not hidden beneath several casings. It is near the point where the hose meets the radiator. Usually, it is on the top of the radiator housing, making it easy to find. However, if it is at the bottom you don’t have to worry, the principle is the same.
- Place A Container Below the Working Area
When you are working some coolant will leak and you don’t want it to go to waste, so make sure you have something in place to catch any falling liquid. Once you are done with the replacement, you can put the coolant back where it belongs.
- Remove the Hose and Clamp
The thermostat is hidden under the hose, which is fastened together with a clamp. You have to loosen the clamp for the hose to fall free. Make sure you don’t lose any screws or clamps in the process. Then you must remove the hose to expose the thermostat. You will possibly lose some coolant during this process, so make sure you have that bucket in place.
- Remove the Nuts and screws
The thermostat is tightened with the help of a few bolts. You must undo all of them to free the thermostat from its shackles. Now, you must compare the old thermostat with the new one you bought. Make sure the replacement thermostat and gasket are compatible with your vehicle. DOLZ produces and distributes water pumps, distribution kits and thermostats for automobiles and industrial vehicles and we have more than 1.300 models that are compatible with most vehicles on the market.
- Don’t Forget the Gasket
Remove the old gasket and replace it with the new one. Don’t forget this process and make sure you do it cleanly. The old gasket might have left off a few pieces, so clean that as well before you install the new one.
- Place the new Thermostat
Now you can place the new thermostat and tighten it with the screws and nuts you removed before. Keep in mind, you put everything where it belonged. One mistake, and you might have to repeat the whole process.
- Put back the Hose and clamp
The hose goes back on the radiator’s opening and then the clamp that holds it in position. The hose has to be tightened in place or else the coolant will start to look.
- Replace the Coolant
For the final piece in the puzzle, replace the leaked coolant that you collected in the bucket back into the radiator.
And that’s it! You are done!
Learn more: The importance of an automotive thermostat in a car’s cooling system
Tips for a car thermostat replacement
In addition to following the previous instructions, it is convenient to take into account the following recommendations:
- Buy the thermostat from a reputable brand like Dolz, otherwise you will be facing the overheating issue repeatedly.
- Make sure you are performing the procedure in daylight so you don’t miss or lose any nuts or screws.
- You can drain all the old coolant with a fresh supply, but that is optional and depends on your preference.
- Keep all the relevant tools in hand before you begin the procedure. You don’t want to end up stuck in the middle.
New Dolz Thermostat, the best solution for your car
The new range of thermostats by Dolz are the perfect thermostats for any vehicle. We just launched 6 new thermostat references and also the Kit thermostat with the water pump. The thermostats that Dolz launches on the market are thermostats with their plastic housing that mount directly on the water pump.
Dolz factories are designed to produce high-quality products only, and the thermostats are not an exception. Therefore, you can rest assured that what you get from Dolz is premium quality and nothing else.
