Yes, CAR FIX advises that your car’s thermostat will start to leak when it goes bad. We are going to talk more about that below. Generally, you will need to replace the factory-installed thermostat once your car is 10 years old or older. Many people get rid of their automobiles before that time, so they never need to worry about the thermostat. If you drive an older automobile and notice any of the following problems, these are signs that the thermostat has gone bad.
Gunk on the Thermostat
The thermostat can get a lot of gunk on it if it has a slow leak. The thermostat has a valve that releases the coolant into the engine. This valve can get stuck closed in older thermostats and cause coolant to seep out of it. The coolant puddles around the thermostat and turns into a gel. Unfortunately, this gel can start to corrode the thermostat and eat through it.
Engine Coolant Leaks
When this happens, the thermostat will start to leak engine coolant onto the garage floor. Depending on the size of the hole in the thermostat, you may end up with spots or puddles of engine coolant. You cannot drive your automobile if the engine coolant is too low. Doing so will cause the engine to overheat. It’s better to have your car, truck, or utility vehicle towed to our shop if the engine is leaking coolant. You don’t want to take chances with a hot engine.
Strange Temperature Changes
Aside from leaking, an old thermostat can also malfunction. It may have difficulty understanding the engine’s actual temperature, and, as a consequence, release the coolant into the engine at incorrect times. This can leave your engine running too cold or too hot. It can also go back-and-forth between the two temperatures if the thermostat is releasing the coolant sporadically.
Overheating All the Time
Finally, if your engine overheats all the time, it’s possible that the thermostat has gone bad. As we mentioned above, driving your engine when it is too hot can be dangerous. Not only can you cause irreparable damage to the engine but you may also start an engine fire. It’s better to err on the side of caution and have your vehicle towed if the engine overheats when you drive it.
CAR FIX in Cookeville, Crossville, Maryville, or Oak Ridge, TN, would be happy to test the thermostat and replace it if necessary. Call the shop closest to you today.
