When Good Thermostats Go Bad: Understanding the Heart of Your Car’s Cooling System

When Good Thermostats Go Bad

Today’s vehicles are marvels of modern engineering, packed with high-tech components that make driving safer and more efficient. But some of the most critical parts are surprisingly low-tech, like your car’s thermostat. It might shock you to learn that this essential piece of equipment operates using something as simple as wax.

How Does a Thermostat Work? The Power of Wax in Action

Your car’s thermostat is a crucial player in the engine’s cooling system. Positioned between the engine and the radiator, the thermostat’s job is to regulate the flow of coolant, ensuring the engine warms up properly without overheating. When you start your car, the thermostat blocks coolant from flowing to the radiator, allowing the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature—usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it hits that sweet spot, the thermostat opens up, allowing coolant to flow freely and maintain a balanced temperature.

Here’s the fascinating part: It’s all done with wax!

Yes, you read that right. The thermostat relies on the expansion of wax to function. Inside the thermostat, there’s a small cylinder filled with wax. As the engine heats up, the wax begins to melt at around 180 degrees Fahrenheit (though this temperature can vary slightly depending on the design). As the wax melts, it expands and pushes a rod connected to the valve, opening it and allowing coolant to circulate through the engine.

This simple yet effective mechanism is remarkably reliable. But, like all things mechanical, thermostats can go bad. And when they do, they can cause some serious headaches.

When Thermostats Fail: The Consequences of a Bad Thermostat

Given their reliability, thermostats are often overlooked—until they fail. And when they do, your vehicle’s engine is at risk of overheating. Here are some common reasons why a thermostat might go bad:

  • Prior overheating damage: If your engine has overheated in the past, it could have damaged the thermostat, causing it to malfunction.
  • Corrosion: Over time, the thermostat can corrode, especially if the coolant hasn’t been changed regularly.
  • Wear and tear: Like any component, thermostats can simply wear out with age.

When a thermostat fails, it often gets stuck in one position—either open or closed—and both scenarios can lead to trouble.

Burning the Thermostat at Both Ends: What Happens When It Sticks Open or Closed

If your thermostat fails in the closed position, the coolant won’t flow to the radiator, causing the engine to overheat quickly. This can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. You might notice the temperature gauge rising rapidly, and if you continue driving, you could end up with a blown head gasket or worse.

On the flip side, if the thermostat gets stuck in the open position, coolant flows continuously through the engine. While this might sound harmless, it actually prevents the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature. As a result, you could experience:

  • Lower than normal temperature readings: Your temperature gauge may show that the engine isn’t warming up properly.
  • Inefficient heating: The cabin heater might not get as warm as it used to, leaving you chilly on cold days.
  • Poor drivability: In cooler weather, your car might struggle to perform, especially during the first few minutes of driving.
  • Reduced fuel efficiency: An engine that doesn’t reach its optimal temperature can burn more fuel, leading to a decrease of 2 to 3 miles per gallon.
  • Increased emissions: Your car could emit more pollutants, contributing to environmental harm.

In short, a stuck thermostat—whether open or closed—can cause a cascade of problems that affect your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Upon Closer Inspection: Why Regular Maintenance Matters

At our shop, we take your vehicle’s health seriously. Part of our job is to catch issues like a failing thermostat before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. During routine inspections, we check components like the thermostat to ensure everything is in good working order.

We understand that some customers are wary of what they perceive as “upselling” during inspections, sometimes referred to as a “laundry list” of recommended repairs. However, it’s important to remember that reputable shops prioritize your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Businesses that push unnecessary services don’t stay in business long. Trustworthy shops, especially those with a long history—like ours, which has been serving customers since 1978—are focused on keeping you informed and safe on the road.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Experts for Your Vehicle’s Health

Your car’s thermostat might be a small part, but it plays a big role in keeping your engine running smoothly. When it goes bad, the consequences can range from annoying to catastrophic. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of regular maintenance and trust professionals to handle repairs.

At Certified Automotive Specialists, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring your vehicle is in the best possible condition. Whether it’s spotting a failing thermostat or addressing other maintenance needs, you can count on us to prioritize your safety and satisfaction. We’ll help you navigate necessary repairs, work with your budget, and make sure your car is ready to hit the road with confidence.

When it comes to your vehicle, don’t take chances with quick fixes or neglecting maintenance. Keep it in top shape by trusting experts who care as much about your car as you do.

Is It Hot Enough For You?

How many times do you hear that phrase in the course of the summer? We hear about the importance of taking care of ourselves during hot weather on the news and read about it in various publications. We are told to drink lots of water to keep hydrated, especially when exercising or doing physical labor. I know I sometimes feel a visit to Classic Coffee in the Glendora Village for a famous frozen hot chocolate will hit the spot.

Take a moment and think about your car…it gets hot too! We often take for granted just how hard it does work for us in all kinds of weather. When you see a car sitting on the side of the road with steam rising from the hood, that is an overheated vehicle!

Many things will cause a car to overheat… a hose, radiator, head gasket, thermostat, water pump or even the computer controlled electric fans may not be functioning. With so many critical components that have to work together to keep the engine cool, we recommend an inspection every 3 to 4 months of these items.

I keep repeating this statement and here it is again, it is always less expensive to maintain your car versus waiting for it to break and then fixing it. Most newer cars have a warning system to alert you of a failure. Please don’t ignore these warnings. We have many customers who kept driving after a warning light came on and destroyed the engine.

If you think your car is overheating, get to the side of the road quickly and safely. Turn off your radio and air conditioner, then turn your heater on to high while keeping the engine idling. If no heat comes out, turn the car off as soon as possible, no heat means no coolant in the engine.

It is never wise to try to drive a car with a problem, unless safety is a concern. Most drivers have a roadside assistance program … if you don’t, ask us about our free assistance service with some purchases.

Paying $100 for a hose repair, instead of a $5,000 engine, is always a great call. Please contact us with any questions at 626.963.0814 or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com. Have a great day!

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

How We Keep Your Ride Going Strong in Glendora’s Summer’s Heat

Gene-Car-Talk

We know we can feel our energy ooze out of us in the summer heat and your car feels it too!  Just imagine sitting there day after day on the hot pavement in Glendora while the relentless summer sun shines down on you.  Car’s components such as rubber are very sensitive to heat and tend to become brittle and crack.  Here a just a few things we at Certified Automotive Specialists look for when we service your vehicle for summer:

  • Batteries take a beating. Between the car’s vibrations and heat, they usually only last five years.  It is always a good idea to have them tested and the technicians at Certified Automotive Specialists can help determine how much life they have left in them.
  • Cooling systems are very susceptible to summer heat. You will notice more cars sitting on the side of the road with steam pouring out from under the hood during the summer months.  We always check your cooling system thoroughly to make sure the coolant isn’t contaminated.  We also check the rubber components for cracks and frays.  If they are past their prime, we will recommend replacing them so you don’t end up on the side of the road. We have had more than a few vehicles towed in to Certified Automotive Specialists due to a faulty cooling system that could have been prevented.
  • Tires need the proper inflation to function well. They don’t operate well if they are over-inflated or under-inflated. They need to be just right!
  • Fluids and filters need to be checked and replaced if needed. They do a lot of work to protect our vehicles.
  • Air-conditioning systems are a must in Glendora and need to be looked at so you and your passengers stay comfortable no matter how high the outside temperatures climb. We make sure to check the refrigerant and other components.

We are here to help your car face the challenges that come with hot days.  Give us a call.  You and your car will be glad you did!

Please call us with any questions at 626-963-0814 or visit our website at www.CertifiedAutoCA.com.

Hometown Service You Can Count On!

Cool Running In Glendora

Unless you live in Death Valley, you really don’t hear much any more about cars overheating. That’s because cooling systems in vehicles have been much improved. That doesn’t mean you can’t overheat your sedan engine, though. Without proper preventive maintenance, you could still find yourself on the side of the highway in Glendora waiting for your sedan engine to cool down.

When you service your cooling system at Certified Auto Specialists, your tech will check the condition of the coolant. It can become corrosive over time, which can damage a radiator — leading to an overheated engine. Changing the coolant periodically is good car care. Your sedan owner’s manual can give you guidelines on how often to replace it.

If your engine overheated, your reliable service advisor will also check your coolant system for leaks. Check the sedan radiator for cracks and the radiator hoses for leaks. He’ll also check your water pump. They don’t need to be replaced on a regular schedule, but they do need an inspection regularly. They can and do wear out.

The water pump is a critical component of your sedan cooling system. It pumps the coolant to keep it circulating through the engine. The coolant is cooled in the radiator, then it travels through the engine, where it absorbs heat, then it returns to the radiator, where it releases the heat. And so on. But a water pump is something of a misnomer. The fluid pumped through your sedan cooling system is not just water. It also contains coolant, which is actually poisonous. You should never consider your radiator as an emergency water supply.

There are many types of coolant. It varies from vehicle to vehicle, and using the wrong kind could damage your engine. Your tech will know which kind your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. The team of automotive professionals at Certified Auto Specialists is always a good source for auto advice. We’ve been providing quality automotive services at our convenient location in Glendora for 32 years.

Keeping your cooling system in good repair will help keep your engine running well, and keep you out of the Los Angeles repair shop. This means that a regular cooling system inspection should be on your schedule for routine preventive maintenance of your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often you need to do this. It varies depending on what kind of car you drive, what type of driving you do and where you live in California.

At Certified Auto Specialists, we help you keep your cool which will keep you in the driving lane.

Smart Glendora Drivers Protect Against Overheating

Engines get hot when they run. This heat can build up and damage vital engine parts, so engines need a cooling system to keep them running. Cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure in vehicles. This is unfortunate, because these failures are usually easy for Glendora drivers to prevent.

The radiator is the best-known and most recognizable part of the cooling system. Hoses filled with coolant (also known as antifreeze) connect the radiator to the engine. The coolant draws heat from the engine, and then flows to the radiator. Air passing through cooling fins on the radiator cools the coolant. The coolant then cycles back into the engine to start the process over again.

The most critical component of the cooling system, however, is the coolant itself. A mixture of water and coolant/antifreeze helps keep it both from freezing and from boiling away. Either can result in serious engine damage.

Different engines require different types of coolant/antifreeze. The owner’s manual will list what kind a vehicle requires. Using the wrong type or mixing different types of may void the warranty on the cooling system and may damage it as well.

Insufficient coolant can lead to engine failure. Coolant levels need to be checked regularly and topped off as necessary. If coolant levels drop quickly or consistently, the cooling system should be inspected for leaks. Coolant/antifreeze contains additives that protect the radiator and other coolant components from rust, scale and corrosion. Over time, these additives are depleted, so it is necessary for Glendora drivers to replace coolant at specified intervals. Changing coolant should be part of routine preventive maintenance for any vehicle.

This service is often ignored, though, since old coolant still cools the engine. Vehicle owners don’t realize there is a problem until the system fails. They are left with major repairs and possibly a damaged engine, which could have been prevented with a cooling system service at Certified Auto Specialists in Glendora.

If your sedan sends a warning message to check its coolant or if the temperature gauge is reading in the red or hot zone, then the cooling system needs an automotive analysis. This service is essential and should not be put off since the potential for damage is high.

In an emergency situation, water or antifreeze can be added to your sedan so that it can be driven to a service center for proper car care. For this reason, owner’s manual contains instructions for how to top off insufficient coolant – allow 45 minutes for the engine to cool before attempting to add coolant or water. However, the fluid should be added to the coolant overflow bottle, not to the radiator itself. Removing the radiator pressure cap can result in severe burns.

Topping off in an emergency, however, does not fix the problem. The vehicle should immediately be taken to your Glendora service center or Certified Auto Specialists where they can inspect the cooling system, repair any leaks, and clean it if necessary. They can identify what caused the emergency situation in the first place and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Regular maintenance of a vehicle’s cooling system is just good auto advice for Glendora auto owners. Cooling system service is relatively inexpensive and doesn’t take long at Certified Auto Specialists. Lack of it, however, can put a vehicle in the scrap heap.

Talk to your Certified Auto Specialists service advisor for more information.

Coolant/Antifreeze Service At Certified Auto Specialists

Anyone that drives a car in Glendora knows that engines get hot when they run. But did you know that engines need to be cooled to keep running? Heat inside an engine can cause the metal parts to expand, which can seize up an engine and make it stop running. It can even ruin the entire engine! Good car care requires keeping your sedan cooling system in good condition.

A vehicle’s cooling system circulates water and antifreeze (coolant) through the engine where it absorbs heat. It then flows to the radiator where the water and antifreeze are cooled by the air that flows over the radiator. Then it circulates back into the sedan’s engine to absorb more heat.

Why shouldn’t Covina motorists just use water? Because water boils at temperatures that are often reached inside of an engine. Steam won’t cool your sedan engine and is hard to contain within the cooling system. The antifreeze keeps the water from boiling.

So why do we call it antifreeze? Shouldn’t it be antiboil? Truth is, the antifreeze performs another critical task. Water freezes in cold California weather. That would spell disaster for your sedan’s engine. So antifreeze also keeps the water in your cooling system from freezing in all but the most extreme cold. Pretty neat stuff!

Taking care of your cooling system is part of good preventive maintenance for your sedan. Los Angeles drivers should check coolant level often and regularly inspect your cooling system for leaks.

That is just good auto advice. Your sedan’s manufacturer has maintenance requirements for draining and replacing engine coolant. Consult your owner’s manual or ask your reliable Certified Auto Specialists technician for these recommendations, as they vary widely from among vehicle manufacturers.

Changing your coolant is also part of good preventive maintenance. Water is great at collecting all kinds of dissolved substances, especially when it’s hot. Water circulating through an engine picks up dirt, debris, pollutants, and other stuff. It actually becomes corrosive over time. This can damage engine parts and your radiator.

Replacing your coolant regularly keeps the sedan cooling system functioning well and doesn’t allow it to sneakily become the cancer that wipes out your engine.

But don’t just slop any antifreeze into your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or ask your Certified Auto Specialists service professional if you don’t know what is the right type of antifreeze for your vehicle. Using the wrong kind can void the warranty on your sedan cooling system.

You may have noticed that different types of antifreeze are different colors. Manufacturers tint them different colors to make them harder to mix up. It’s easy to notice that you have purple fluid when you normally use green! That way, you have less chance of damaging your sedan engine by using the wrong antifreeze.

One last word of warning — a little outside the area of car care. Never, ever let anyone or pets drink coolant/antifreeze – it is deathly poisonous.

Take care of your car, and take care of yourself! Just some good car care tips from Certified Auto Specialists to keep you on the road and help your life in Glendora run more pleasantly.

Coolant Antifreeze Service In Glendora, California

Glendora drivers may know that most automotive failures in Glendora, California are tire related, but do you know the second most common cause for vehicle failure? Nope, it’s not teenagers. It is the coolant system. But, if you take good care of your sedan coolant system, it will take good care of you.

A sedan’s engine creates a lot of heat – so much heat, that if it is not properly cooled, the engine can lock up, resulting in massive damage and costly repair bills. But when everything is working right, your sedan engine operates at the proper temperature and all is well. Without antifreeze in your cooling system, the water could freeze and cause sedan engine damage. This could be very pricey, not to mention inconvenient.

The right mix of water and antifreeze is important and protects the engine against damage from freezing and overheating. Antifreeze also protects the coolant system against corrosion that could cause the system to fail. The thing to remember is this: coolant system failure is very common, but it is also very manageable to prevent. Your Glendora service center knows the automobile manufacturer’s recommendations, and can tell you when the coolant needs to be changed. At Certified Auto Specialists in Glendora, we can perform a coolant system service.

Even the best antifreeze cannot completely protect the coolant system from harmful deposits forever. The anti-corrosion additives are used up over time, so the coolant must be replaced. A coolant service cleans out the system and replaces the old fluid with fresh coolant. A coolant system service at Certified Auto Specialists is a low-cost way to protect against major engine repairs down the road. Prevention is the key for Glendora drivers. Be sure to watch out for the two main warning signs: if your temperature gauge is in the “hot” zone or if you get a message warning you to check your coolant. If you take a look under the hood, you will see the coolant overflow bottle. You can see there are lines that indicate the proper level of coolant … if your engine is cold – or if it is hot.

Glendora motorists can add water or antifreeze to that bottle themselves, but should be careful. First, you never want to open the radiator pressure cap. The steam could severely burn you. Second, try to get to Certified Auto Specialists in Glendora immediately if your coolant is low. If that is not possible, follow the directions in your owner’s manual. Third, remember that you need a proper mixture of water and antifreeze, or you will damage your engine. If you make an emergency addition to your cooling system, follow-up with Certified Auto Specialists or your service center where they can make necessary corrections. Fourth, not all cars use the same type of antifreeze.

Glendora motorists will need to check their vehicle manufacturer’s owner’s manual to make sure they use the right kind. Mixing antifreeze types or using the wrong kind of antifreeze may void the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty on your sedan cooling system. If you’re not sure, ask your reliable Certified Auto Specialists tech at Certified Auto Specialists for guidance.

Keeping Your Engine Cool In Glendora, California

car engine

The cooling system keeps California car owners’s engines from overheating while they are driving around Glendora, San Dimas and Covina. Its job is to move heat away from the engine. Let’s talk about the various components of the system and how they make this happen.

The radiator is the part most Glendora drivers associate with the cooling system. Coolant flows through the radiator which has fine cooling fins that draw the heat out of the coolant and dissipate it into the air. To make sure there’s enough airflow over the radiator, a fan pulls air over the cooling fins even when the sedan is idling.

In some sedans, the fan is powered by the serpentine belt. On others, an electric motor runs the fan. Electric fans turn on and off as needed. You may have heard the fan kick on shortly after you turn your sedan off. The sensor has determined that the engine needs a little help cooling down to a safe temperature.

A hose connects the radiator to the water pump. The water pump pushes the water into the sedan engine block. Now the engine block and cylinder heads have passages for the coolant to pass through without getting into the oil or the combustion chamber. In the automotive community, these passages are referred to as the “water jacket”.

While the coolant is passing through the water jacket, it absorbs heat from the sedan engine on its way to the radiator for cooling. Between the engine and the radiator is a gatekeeper called the thermostat. The thermostat’s job is to regulate the temperature of the engine just like your home thermostat regulates the temperature in your Glendora house. It gets your engine up to the correct operating temperature and then keeps it from overheating.

When you first start the engine, it’s very cold and needs to warm up. So the thermostat blocks the flow of coolant to the radiator. As the engine warms up, the thermostat starts to let coolant flow through the system.

The final component the team at Certified Auto Specialists wants to point out is the overflow reservoir. This bottle is designed to hold some of the coolant. It’ll have a mark that indicates whether or not you have enough coolant. This is where you should add coolant if you just need to top it off.

Caution: never open the reservoir or the radiator cap when the car’s hot. The cooling system is pressurized and opening them while it’s hot can cause hot coolant and steam to escape resulting in serious burns.

Cooling system failure is the most common mechanical failure in vehicles around Glendora, California. At Certified Auto Specialists, we can do a periodic inspection of the components for harmful leaks, loose connections and weakening hoses.

Certified Auto Specialists
476 Vermont Avenue
Glendora, California 91741
626-963-0814

Your automobile manufacturer has also specified a cooling system service interval. With a cooling system service at Certified Auto Specialists in Glendora, the old coolant is replaced with correct clean fluid that contains the additives required to prevent corrosion. The additives are depleted over time and you need fresh fluid for adequate protection. Your radiator pressure cap should be replaced at this service as well.