Can You Still Drive with a Faulty Thermostat?
3 Answers
You can still drive with a faulty thermostat. The functions of a thermostat are: 1. It remains closed when the engine temperature has not reached the normal operating temperature, allowing the engine coolant to circulate within the engine via the water pump in a small loop, which helps the engine warm up quickly; 2. Once the temperature exceeds the normal range, it opens to enable the coolant to flow through the entire radiator circuit in a large loop, achieving rapid heat dissipation. A thermostat is an automatic temperature-regulating device equipped with a temperature-sensing component. It automatically adjusts the amount of coolant entering the radiator based on the coolant temperature, altering the coolant's circulation range to regulate the cooling system's heat dissipation capacity.
I've personally experienced this situation - the thermostat failed but the engine could still run. However, I genuinely don't recommend continuing to drive. If it's stuck in the closed position, it may cause water temperature to skyrocket, making the engine prone to overheating damage, and repairs can be very expensive; if stuck open, the water temperature remains too low, significantly increasing fuel consumption and making the car feel sluggish. Once I neglected it when the temperature gauge kept hovering near the red line, and later had to spend over a thousand replacing the cylinder head gasket. If you must drive, slow-speed short trips should be fine, but get to a repair shop for a new thermostat as soon as possible - don't risk long-distance driving. Safety first.
Having driven for over a decade, I deeply understand that thermostat malfunctions should never be taken lightly. While the car may still be drivable, the risks are significant: engine overheating can lead to piston welding or deformation, making repairs both troublesome and hazardous. Abnormal water temperature, whether too high or too low, affects performance, reduces air conditioning efficiency, and may even cause breakdowns. My advice is to stop driving immediately, check the temperature gauge or feel the engine compartment, and shut off the engine if it's overheating while waiting for assistance. The thermostat, which regulates coolant flow, is prone to aging, so regular maintenance can help detect issues early and save on future expenses.
