What are the effects of removing the thermostat?
3 Answers
Removing the thermostat mainly has the following effects: 1. If the thermostat is removed, the coolant will continuously circulate in a large loop. 2. Since the coolant undergoes heat dissipation through the radiator, the engine will have difficulty reaching its normal operating temperature within the usual timeframe, resulting in very slow warming up. 3. Especially during cold winters, the vehicle will take a long time to warm up to the engine's normal operating temperature. This leads to poor fuel atomization, incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine, easy formation of carbon deposits, and the engine's power cannot be fully utilized.
Having driven for so many years, I've seen quite a few people remove the thermostat for convenience, which really isn't worth it. If the engine temperature doesn't rise sufficiently, combustion becomes incomplete, and fuel consumption can increase by 5-10%. In winter, the car heats up slowly, leaving you without warm air for ages; in summer, the coolant flows chaotically, making the engine prone to overheating and damage. Operating in a cold state long-term leads to more internal carbon buildup, accelerates component wear, shortens lifespan, and results in higher repair costs. Modern car computers may also misjudge the temperature due to this. Don't dismantle it recklessly—replace it if it's broken. Checking the cooling system is the way to save money and hassle. Develop a habit of regular maintenance to ensure both safety and efficiency.
From a financial perspective, it really hurts my wallet. Removing the thermostat leads to frequent cold starts, incomplete fuel combustion, and significantly higher fuel consumption, increasing monthly expenses substantially. Excessive emissions pollute the environment, and the car might fail the annual inspection. Uneven cooling damages the water pump or radiator, adding repair costs later. Some real-world tests show an 8% increase in fuel consumption—far less economical than spending a little to replace the thermostat, which saves fuel, protects the environment, and extends the car's lifespan. While driving, pay attention to whether the RPM is stable to avoid losing more than you gain.
