Is It Necessary to Use OEM Thermostats?
3 Answers
It is recommended to use OEM parts as thermostat assemblies generally do not fail easily. More information about thermostats is provided below: 1. Maintain good working condition: The thermostat must remain in good working condition; otherwise, it can severely affect the engine's normal operation. For example, if the thermostat opens (referring to the main valve) too late or fails to open, it can cause engine overheating. Conversely, if it opens too early, the engine's warm-up time will be prolonged, resulting in the engine running too cold. 2. Working principle: Under normal circumstances, when the engine is started cold, the operating temperature is very low. To allow the temperature to rise quickly, the thermostat controls the coolant flow (with the main valve closed), directing the coolant pumped by the water pump into the bypass pipe, bypassing the radiator—this is known as the small circulation. Once the coolant temperature reaches 87°C, the thermostat valve opens, allowing the coolant to flow through the radiator, transitioning the cooling system into the large circulation. Typically, within about five minutes after a cold start, the coolant temperature should reach the normal operating range of 85–105°C. If the engine takes too long to reach the normal operating temperature or if the temperature rapidly exceeds 110°C, it may indicate a thermostat malfunction.
To be honest, I personally don't think it's absolutely necessary to use OEM thermostats. The key is to consider your vehicle's usage and budget. After all, a thermostat's main job is to regulate engine coolant temperature, right? If it fails prematurely and causes engine overheating, that would be disastrous. OEM parts offer stable quality but come at a premium price—one set can cost several hundred yuan more than aftermarket alternatives. Aftermarket parts are much more affordable, and some reputable brands are quite reliable. For instance, several domestic brands I've used performed flawlessly for two years. Just avoid those no-name products that may leak or have inaccurate temperature control. If your car is over ten years old or just used for daily commuting, aftermarket parts will serve you perfectly well and won't hurt your wallet when replacement is needed. One important reminder: make sure the installation is done properly, or you might end up spending more on repeated repairs. In conclusion, choose based on your specific situation, but never compromise on safety and durability.
I once encountered a fellow car enthusiast who opted for an aftermarket thermostat to save money, only to have the engine temperature skyrocket on the highway, nearly causing a breakdown. The thermostat regulates coolant flow—if it fails, the entire car heats up like a steamer, potentially damaging engine components in severe cases. Genuine OEM parts may be pricier, but they offer better compatibility and have undergone long-term testing, typically lasting three to five years without issues. Aftermarket products are more affordable, and some are decent quality, like those from certain OEM suppliers. However, quality varies widely, and flaws in dimensions or materials can increase the risk of coolant leaks. From personal experience, if the car is your primary mode of transport, investing in OEM parts is the safer choice—don’t risk major trouble for short-term savings. After all, vehicle safety is a matter of life and death, and regular cooling system inspections are key to preventing failures.
