How Your Car’s Thermostat Works, Why It’s Important, and Signs It’s Failing
Our Frankfort Public Works team has played a key role in removing remnants of the recent winter storms to keep our community running smoothly. And it’s your car’s thermostat that plays a similar part in keeping you moving smoothly down the road. Because – though your car’s thermostat may be small – it plays a vital role in keeping your engine running at it’s best, acting as a gatekeeper for the coolant. And this allows the thermostat to maintain the engine’s optimal operating temperature. So, given it’s importance, the experts at Meineke in Frankfort break down how your car’s thermostat works, why it’s important, and the signs to look for that it may be failing.
How Does a Car’s Thermostat Work?
The thermostat is located between the engine and the radiator. And when the engine starts, it’s cold. So, the thermostat remains closed to allow the engine to warm up quickly. But, once the engine reaches its ideal temperature (usually around 195°F), the thermostat opens, allowing coolant to flow from the radiator to absorb excess heat. And this cycle ensures your engine doesn’t overheat or stay too cold, optimizing its performance and fuel efficiency.
Why Is It Important?
A properly functioning thermostat:
- Prevents Overheating: By managing coolant flow. And this prevents the engine from overheating, which could cause severe damage like a blown head gasket.
- Improves Fuel Efficiency: An engine running at the correct temperature is more efficient. And this reduces fuel consumption.
- Protects Engine Components: Consistent operating temperatures prolong the life of critical engine parts.
Signs Your Thermostat Is Failing
- Engine Overheating: A stuck-closed thermostat blocks coolant flow. And this causes the engine to overheat quickly.
- Temperature Gauge Fluctuations: Rapid changes on the gauge could indicate a malfunctioning thermostat.
- Coolant Leaks: A stuck thermostat may cause pressure buildup. And this leads to leaks around the housing or hoses.
- Cold Engine for Too Long: A stuck-open thermostat keeps coolant flowing constantly. And this prevents the engine from warming up properly.
What Should You Do?
If you notice any of these signs, have your car inspected by the trusted mechanics at Meineke on Arrowhead Court in Frankfort immediately. Because, a faulty thermostat is an inexpensive fix compared to the costly repairs that overheating or prolonged engine wear can cause.
Maintaining your car’s thermostat ensures your engine stays in top shape and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Don’t wait for warning signs—keep an eye on your temperature gauge and call Meineke in Frankfort to schedule regular maintenance!
If the Meineke in Frankfort is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:
Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy.
5326 DIXIE HWY
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548
Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy.
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457
Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd.
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541
Meineke Car Care – East. Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820
Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216
Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd.
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526
Meineke Car Care – Plantside Dr.
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765
Meineke Car Care – So. Dixie Blvd.
2197 South Dixie Blvd.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474
Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St. Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889
Meineke Car Care – N. Dixie Hwy.
1400 N. Dixie Hwy.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844
Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659
Meineke Car Care – W. Hwy. 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212
Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd.
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290
Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct.
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010
Meineke Car Care in Frankfort, KY
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