Service Masters is your one-stop shop. We can take care of your car, truck, or utility vehicle whether it needs servicing or repairs. One of the things that we would be happy to do is to replace your car’s thermostat when it goes bad. This usually happens after seven to 10 years of operation. If you notice any of the following problems, bring your vehicle to our shop so we can test the thermostat to confirm it has died. If it has, we will replace it.
Rusted Thermostat
The thermostat can get rusty because leaking coolant will corrode it. The thermostat uses a coolant valve that it opens and closes to release the coolant into the engine. The coolant can back out of the valve when the valve is closed, especially if it is stuck. This isn’t enough coolant to drip onto your garage floor. Rather, the coolant rests against the thermostat and starts to eat through it. Consequently, your thermostat will be corroded if it has a slow coolant leak. It’s best to replace the thermostat now to avoid…
Leaking Coolant
Eventually, the coolant is going to eat through the thermostat so much that it leaks coolant onto the garage floor. In this case, it’s probably a better idea to have your vehicle towed to our shop because the coolant level in the engine is going to be low. Driving the automobile can overheat the engine and damage it. To confirm that it is coolant leaking out of the thermostat, compare the color of the fluid on the garage floor with the coolant in the engine. Also, check the overflow reservoir’s coolant level.
Erratic Temperatures
The thermostat may also start to malfunction after it gets too old. It may be unable to determine the temperature of the engine and, as such, it will release the coolant at the wrong time. Consequently, you will be driving an automobile that has an engine that is too hot or too cold. The engine may also fluctuate erratically between the two extremes. This is definitely a sign that you need to replace the thermostat. It is no longer working properly and, consequently, affecting the engine.
Constant Overheating
Finally, a malfunctioning thermostat is going to make your engine overheat constantly. As we mentioned above, driving your automobile when the engine is too hot can damage it severely.
Have your vehicle towed to Service Masters in Clearwater, FL, for a new thermostat if it overheats every time that you drive it.