CAR THERMOSTAT PROBLEMS CAN WASTE GAS
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ THERMOSTAT PROBLEMS [CAUTION! NEVER NEVER NEVER attempt to open the radiator cap, engine coolant reservoir cap, or remove any part of the engine coolant system until the engine has cooled to a safe temperature! Opening any part of a hot engine coolant system is an EXTREME BURN HAZARD and can result in severe scalding!] Car thermostat problems are rare. When a car thermostat problem does show up it’s probably one of two things. It can stick shut, in which case the ‘Engine Temp’ light will come on or a high temperature will show on your temperature gauge. A high temperature indication doesn’t necessarily mean a stuck thermostat, it could be a loss of engine coolant. In either case you should shut off your engine and get to the source of the problem. A thermostat can also stick open, but most cars don’t have a ‘Low Engine Temp’ light and most people don’t worry about a cool engine temperature. But a thermostat that’s stuck open costs you money every mile you drive. A 195-degree thermostat that sticks open and reduces the engine coolant temperature to, say, 160 degrees, will allow fuel to condense on the cylinders due to cooler water jacket temperatures. Condensed fuel doesn’t burn properly and you pay a mileage penalty. According to the "How to Fight High Gas Prices" Maintenance Tips article at partsamerica.com
If you have a temperature gauge, the temperature difference is easy to see. But if you only have a high temperature warning light, you may not notice the slight increase in fuel consumption unless you’re really tracking your fuel economy closely. Thermostats are usually dependable so, if you only have warning lights, you probably shouldn't install a new auto thermostat ‘just in case’. The approximate cost to replace a car thermostat by a paid mechanic can be over a hundred dollars, even though the part cost only about ten. _________________________________________________________________ MORE INFORMATION The How Stuff Works Car Cooling System pages detail all aspects of engine cooling systems. And the Wikipedia Thermostat Page discusses number of different type of thermostats and explains how automobile thermostats work. _________________________________________________________________ SHOPPING FOR THE RIGHT THERMOSTAT You can locate the exact engine thermostat for your car quickly at AutoPartsGIANT.com
Engine thermostats are also available at local auto parts stores. A number of them let you check availability, place your order online, and pick up at the store.
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