Uptown Imports is the best import auto shop in Minneapolis, and we would be happy to replace the thermostat in your import if it has gone bad. On average, the factory thermostat will last about 10 years. If you are having any of the problems listed below, these are signs that the thermostat is leaking or malfunctioning. This is common in older thermostats that have reached the end of their lives. Bring your vehicle to our shop at the first sign of trouble so we can replace the thermostat and prevent your engine from overheating every time you drive your automobile.
Rust on the Thermostat Housing
Inspecting the thermostat if your import is older is not a bad idea. Pop the hood and take a good look at the thermostat to see if it is corroded. Corrosion on the thermostat housing is a sign that the thermostat is leaking slowly out of the coolant valve. This is the valve the thermostat opens to release the coolant in the engine. Unfortunately, this leak is not bad enough to leave spots on the garage floor. Rather, it is a silent leak, if you will, that often goes undetected.
Coolant on the Garage Floor
Eventually, the corrosion will eat through the thermostat housing and the leak will increase in size. When this happens, you will have coolant spots or puddles on the garage floor. If you can catch the thermostat before it starts to leak this heavily, you can replace it and avoid the coolant loss. If you don’t catch the corrosion on the thermostat, you will end up with a mess in the garage eventually. Naturally, this type of leak can overheat the engine.
Erratic Temperature Changes
The thermostat can also begin to malfunction when it gets older. Generally, what happens is that the thermostat misreads the engine’s temperature and releases the coolant at the wrong time. It may continue to do this off and on while you are driving your automobile. Consequently, you will notice erratic temperature changes reflected on the temperature gauge. If the needle is moving up and down erratically, this is a sign that the thermostat is malfunctioning.
Overheating Engine
Finally, your import’s engine will start to overheat if the thermostat dies. Once the thermostat is dead, it will no longer release coolant into the engine. As such, the engine will get too hot quickly after you start the automobile.
Uptown Imports in Minneapolis, MN, would be happy to help, so call us today to set up a visit for your import for a thermostat check.