Thermostat is a small and neglected part of a car. However, it performs an important function by controlling the temperature of the engine coolant valve. Thus, when it stops functioning, the car engine can get overheated and does not work anymore. Thus, once this thermostat begins to wear out, it should be replaced without much delay.
The thermostat starts at a closed position when you start the engine to help it reach operating temperature. As coolant temperature rises, it begins to open. The opening allows hot coolant in the engine to flow into the radiator, while the water pump pushes lower-temperature coolant from the radiator into the engine. When the lower-temperature coolant reaches the thermostat container, the expanding fluid begins to contract, closing the thermostat’s valve.
During engine operation, though, the thermostat actually never fully closes or opens, but gradually nears either state to control coolant flow, depending on engine operating conditions. This allow the engine to operate at the best temperature. This ideal engine-operating temperature accomplishes several goals: It helps engine oil to lubricate efficiently and to remove harmful deposits. It reduces emissions and gas consumption and contributes to engine performance. Thus, the thermostat has an impact on your engine's health and longevity.
Internal combustion engines perform best at specific operating temperatures and being too hot or cold can affect a car's reliability. Our extensive range of quality thermostat housings and gaskets will ensure that your car continues to run at its optimum temperature.
Engine temperature is monitored and maintained by a thermostat, which needs to be protected from the heat of the engine. Automotive thermostats incorporate a small pellet of wax that melts and expands at a set temperature, pushing open a cooling valve when the optimum temperature is exceeded. Due to the precise sensitivity of this design, a quality thermostat housing is essential, as even the slightest crack can lead to extensive engine damage. Often more difficult to spot, old and worn thermostat gaskets can also cause temperature issues within your engine. Quality gaskets are vital for sealing your thermostat and its housing together, safely and securely. We’ve used of high-quality thermostat housing and gaskets to ensure you find the right fit for your vehicle.
Engine overheating due to causes other than a faulty thermostat,
will themselves damage a thermostat. Therefore, always replace the thermostat if the engine overheats,
even if the thermostat was not the initial cause of the overheating.
The thermostat should be
replaced anytime you have major work done on the coolant system. It is convenient and costs little
during such repairs and insurance against future breakdown.
OEM thermostats are the best ones to use and you can request your mechanic to install only the OEM thermostat. Dealer supplied, OEM thermostats are sometimes costlier but are generally higher quality and specifically engineered for your car.
Once the engine is completely cold, the radiator cap is loosened,
and enough coolant is drained from the radiator, so the coolant level is below the thermostat
housing.
The thermostat housing is removed, and the thermostat and gasket are extracted. Note that some cars
have more than one cooling system thermostat and both might need replacement.
All mounting surfaces on the thermostat housing are cleaned of old
gasket material. A new gasket is applied, and the thermostat is re-installed in the correct
orientation and with the temperature sensing cylinder facing downward towards the engine.
The
thermostat housing bolts are tightened to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications using a
calibrated inch-pound torque wrench.
The cooling system is refilled with the appropriate coolant
type and the system is fully bled of all air.
The car engine run until the normal operating temperature is reached, and while taking precautions with the hot coolant, the coolant level is rechecked while confirming there is flow through the radiator either visually or with an infrared temperature gun. This will confirm the thermostat is open. Finally, the engine is checked for leaks.
Sometimes, the worst part of getting your car fixed is having to bring it to the garage. We are therefore happy to offer our customers a free collection and delivery service If you prearrange a collection, we will pick your car up from your home or place of work and drive it to our premises, carry out all the necessary work (having consulted you) and deliver it back to you at the end of the day.
We are able to tow, jump start or repair your vehicle if you are experiencing problems or broken down for a small fee. If we can't sadly start your vehicle, we can contact a local recovery firm to collect your vehicle for a very competitive price.
- Don't want to waste your day off?
- You don't have the time to take your car in for a service or repairs?
- Have you got problems with getting to and from the garage?
Here at Car Services in Reading, we believe that we offer a valuable product
with our Free Collection and Delivery Service, we can collect either from your place of work or from
your home address. If you are unsure about whether the address you are considering having your vehicle
collected from is not within our range, then please do contact us.
Car Services in Reading operate a fleet of pool cars with a dedicated driver, so wherever we are collecting from, we need to be able to leave one of our pool vehicles either in your work car park / parking space, or if in a residential area, we would need to be able to leave our car either at your house or on the road with a permit if required. We would be grateful if you could bear this in mind when booking to use our free Collection and delivery service