The Importance of a Thermostat in Engine Cooling

8 Oct, 2015

The thermostat has two important jobs to perform; to accelerate engine warm-up and to regulate the engine's operating temperature.

A quality thermostat ensures excellent fuel economy, reduces engine wear, provides adequate heater output, and also prevents overheating. This is accomplished by blocking the circulation of coolant between the engine and radiator until the engine has reached its predetermined temperature. The thermostat then opens as required in response to changes in coolant temperature to keep the engine's temperature within the desired operating range.

Thermostats have a wax filled copper housing or cup called a "heat motor" that pushes the thermostat open against spring pressure. As the engine's coolant warms up, the increase in heat causes the wax to melt and expand. The wax pushes against a piston inside a rubber boot. This forces the piston outward to open the thermostat

Thermostats need to be changed when the coolant is changed or whenever an over-heating of the engine has occurred.

All thermostats will fail in either a closed or open position; there is no such thing as a thermostat that will fail in a “safe” position. Although some brands may claim a thermostat fails in a safe position, it simply locks itself open while it is in a full stroke open position causing the vehicle to overheat. Late Model vehicles computer systems are alerted to overheating and cause the car to go into what’s called limp mode. This can cause the car to slow dramatically and even stop. This is to prevent the car’s engine being damaged. Lower engine temperatures can also result in inefficient combustion which causes inefficient fuel consumption and increased wear with reduce engine life.

CoolDrive carry a large range of thermostats and gaskets in quality leading brands like Tridon.

For all your thermostat needs, please visits or call one of CoolDrive branches.

High flow thermostats are also available at CoolDrive.