Can the car still be driven if the thermostat is broken?
2 Answers
The car cannot be driven if the thermostat is broken, as the thermostat must maintain good working condition; otherwise, it will severely affect the normal operation of the engine. Here are the specific consequences of a damaged thermostat: 1. At idle or low speeds, the water temperature can reach the normal level, but when the speed exceeds 50 km/h, the water temperature drops, fuel consumption increases, and the engine becomes noisy yet lacks power. 2. The thermostat controls the small and large coolant circulation loops. The small loop is for engine heat retention, while the large loop includes the cabin heating system. The thermostat regulates the transition between these loops: if the small loop overheats, the thermostat opens the large loop to cool it down; if the small loop temperature is insufficient, 3. The connection between the small and large loops cannot be closed, resulting in only the large loop functioning. At idle, air cooling is ineffective, and the water temperature can exceed 80 degrees.
If the thermostat fails, I suggest not forcing the car to run, otherwise it could lead to major trouble. Think about it—I've seen others do this on the highway, and the engine overheated and seized, costing tens of thousands to repair. Totally not worth it. The thermostat controls coolant flow; if it gets stuck closed, the temperature can skyrocket and damage the engine. Burst hoses or a boiling radiator are common outcomes. Even if you manage a short trip, engine overheating can affect the braking system, potentially endangering safety in severe cases. I feel this isn’t something to take lightly—it’s best to pull over immediately, check the temperature gauge, and if the needle is in the red, shut off the engine and call for help. Regular coolant changes during maintenance can prevent such issues. Remember, driving isn’t a gamble with your life—safety comes first. Skimping on this just isn’t worth it.
