Posted on 9/26/2025
Your car’s thermostat regulates the engine's temperature to ensure it runs at the optimal temperature. It controls the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator, helping the engine warm up quickly and preventing it from overheating. When the thermostat starts to fail, the symptoms can range from subtle to severe, and ignoring them could lead to costly engine damage. Knowing how to spot the signs of a bad thermostat can help you catch problems early and keep your vehicle performing at its best. What the Thermostat Does The thermostat regulates coolant flow based on engine temperature. When the engine is cold, it stays closed, allowing the engine to warm up quickly. Once the engine reaches its optimal operating temperature, the thermostat opens, letting coolant circulate through the radiator to maintain the right balance. If the thermostat sticks open or closed, the cooling system can’t do its job properly. This can lead to inefficient heating ... read more