What happens if the thermostat fails?
2 Answers
Thermostat damage can lead to coolant leakage and engine overheating. The specific situations are as follows: Coolant leakage: The installation position of the thermostat is precisely at the connection point of the two circulation system pipelines. The water channel has an interface here, which poses a risk. Although the thermostat is equipped with seals, coolant leakage issues can still occur. Engine overheating: When the thermostat is stuck in the position that closes the large circulation, even if the coolant temperature can soften the paraffin, the large circulation still cannot be opened. In this case, the coolant itself cannot dissipate heat, which will quickly lead to engine overheating.
I once experienced a thermostat failure while driving, and it felt really awful. The car's temperature gauge would keep soaring, especially when going uphill or stuck in traffic, with steam rising from the hood. I had to pull over immediately to check. If it's stuck closed, the coolant can't circulate, causing the engine to overheat, which might lead to blown head gaskets or cylinder scoring – the repair costs are steep. If it's stuck open, the cabin heater won't work, freezing you in winter, and it wastes fuel because the engine can't reach optimal temperature. Always keep an eye on dashboard warning lights while driving; if anything seems off, find a safe spot to stop – don't push it. A faulty thermostat is no small matter – replace it promptly. I recommend checking the cooling system every six months and refreshing the antifreeze to prevent minor issues from escalating.
