Shop Discount Thermostats

While an engine generates a lot of heat, there are certain situations where it would not be beneficial for coolant to be flowing through the radiator and cooling down. All motors operate most efficiently within a narrow temperature range, and the cooling system is designed not to keep the engine as cool as possible, but to actually keep it within this specific range of temperature values. A key component in making this happen is the thermostat. The thermostat is a device that is placed in-line with the piping leading from the engine block to the radiator. There is a temperature sensor inside of the thermostat that measures the surrounding water to determine if it is necessary for it to cool down. If it is above a certain value, usually 195 degrees or greater, the thermostat stays open and the coolant is able to circulate to the radiator. However, if the liquid temperature is below this value, a valve inside the thermostat seals off the passage to the radiator, and the coolant is shunted back inside the engine so it can warm up. A thermostat is particularly useful for people who live in cold climates, as the temperature of the coolant when they start the car is usually below zero on a winter’s day. In order to help get the engine’s temperature back up to operating range as quickly as possible, the thermostat stays closed from the moment the car is started until it finally warms up enough to provide normal operation.

Read More