Q: Effects of an old engine thermostat
I think my engine's thermostat stuck old and it takes forever to warm up and it even stays cold on the highway. Is it bad for the engine to drive like this?
Recommended Services
| Thermostat Replacement | $157.20 - $759.78 | Get a Quote |
Yes this is actually bad. Get a thermostat. For most cars, they don’t cost much, unless you own one of those V12 Jaguars, that you’ve got to take the intake manifold off to change it or a VR8 Volkswagen where you have to pull the heads off to change it.
You’ll need to change the thermostat because, if you run it too cold, it’s bad on the engine main bearings and they can wear off because they aren’t running at the right temperature. The engine has to run on right temperature so that all the metal heats up right. If you need help with this, a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic can replace your thermostat so that you can get your car back on the road safely.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
What does the anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light mean?
There are several important lights in your dash, including the anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light. This light should come on briefly when you crank the engine, but it should turn off after completing a short self-test. If the light...
Engine cut out at around 75% throttle.
Hello. If you continue to get code P0135 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0135-obd-ii-trouble-code-o2-sensor-heater-circuit-malfunction-bank-1-sensor-1-by-jay-safford) even after you have replaced the sensor then you have a problem in the harness or problem in the ECM circuit. Check and follow the O2 sensor harness for the passenger...
The car won't start - 2012 Ford Explorer
Hi there. This may be related to a failing starter or starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. When this fails, it may cause a clicking...
Coolant leaking 2009 Volvo Diesel D5 engine
Hello - coolant leaks (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/coolant-leaking-from-engine-head-gasket) have many sources, sometimes very subtle to locate. Since coolant evaporates on a hot engine, it is often hard to trace to it's source. It is still possible you have a blown head gasket (early...
Reduced engine power, tire pressure symbol, and AC noises
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing more than one issue. The exclamation mark and tire symbol come on when the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system is set off. This occurs when the...
Can I add water or fluid to the reservoir till I can get a flush and fill?
Yes, you can, and should, add coolant to the reservoir to make sure the engine cooling system does not run low. Add only a 50-50 (water-antifreeze ratio) coolant mix to the overflow tank, particularly if it is winter season. If...
My car was overheating won't start after we fix it
Check for diagnostic trouble codes. Overheating has the potential to cause head gasket leaks and valve and piston damage. You should measure cylinder compression to first be sure that the engine is basically mechanically sound. If cylinder compression is normal,...
07 Honda Fit Code PO420. Car missing at idle when AC is on and has trouble accelerating, especially up hills, more so with AC on
Hi there.The catalytic converter has two oxygen sensors. One oxygen sensor is positioned in front (upstream) of the catalytic converter and the other oxygen sensor is positioned at the rear (downstream). If the upstream oxygen sensor is working properly, its...
I got a 2000 dodge ram pickup that ran out of oil i dont know when. It started makin a light knockin from the engine.
The sound you are hearing is likely related to the lack of sufficient oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-level-is-low-inspection) in the motor, which may have also caused the motor to overheat and shut down. When this happens, a number of things may cause the...
Related articles
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat
Common signs include the temperature gauge reading being very high or changing erratically, engine overheating, and coolant leaks.
How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?
Most Most people take for granted all of the systems that have to work together in order for their car to run. Making a car mobile is a lot harder than most people think. The power that the engine produces...
How to fix a change car thermostat?
What you need to know to fix your car thermostat.
Browse other content
Cities
Estimates