What Causes a Thermostat to Fail?
2 Answers
Automobile thermostat failure can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Due to prolonged warm-up time, electric flatbed trucks operate at low water temperatures, causing combustion gases to form acidic substances with water condensed on cylinder walls, which corrode the cylinders. 2. Liquid fuel and water wash away the lubricating oil film on cylinder walls and flow down to the oil pan, diluting the lubricating system's oil, leading to premature wear of components such as cylinder liners, pistons, and rings. 3. Additional Information: The thermostat is a crucial component for controlling engine water temperature. Damage to this component can prevent the engine water temperature from being maintained within the 90-115°C range.
I've encountered this issue before. I was driving on the highway when the temperature gauge suddenly spiked, which really freaked me out. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic opened it up and found the thermostat stuck and yellowed, probably due to aging and deformation after seven or eight years of use, with internal rust causing it to seize up. Normally, if the coolant gets mixed with sand or impurities, it can corrode components over time and cause failure. Even worse are electrical issues—some cars now use electronic thermostats, and a faulty sensor can misreport temperatures and trigger shutdowns. That time, I spent 300 to replace the part and took the opportunity to flush the coolant. A reminder to everyone: check the cooling system during seasonal changes. Aging and wear are the main culprits, so address issues promptly to prevent engine damage. Don't skimp on small expenses and end up paying a big price.