How a Thermostat Works
Your cars engine generates heat — a lot of heat, in fact. Thats why your INFINITIs cooling system is so technologically advanced. Its also why keeping every component of your car operating at peak performance is crucial.
Here is a condensed version of how your engine stays cool:
Step 1: The average operating temperature for your engine can be anywhere from 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit when everything is running smoothly. Circulating engine coolant helps alleviate these high temps that can build up around the engine.
Step 2: If the engine thermostat determines that the coolant is too hot, it opens a valve. Its this critical action that enables the coolant to carry that heat to the radiator where thin metal fins allow the heat to dissipate.
How does the valve know if the temperature is too hot? It relies on a special kind of wax that expands only when exposed to coolant at a specific temperature. If that wax expands, the valve opens.
Step 3: The now-cooled coolant eventually makes its way back to the engine, where the process repeats itself.
If an engine thermostat cant perform its duty as a “heat traffic cop," you can risk a cracked engine block, blown head gasket, and more.
Simply put, running an engine without a reliable thermostat is one automotive ticket that carries a very hefty fine.
Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat
Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid a faulty thermostat disaster. Here are four symptoms of a malfunctioning thermostat:
1. High-temperature gauge readings
Perhaps the most telltale sign of thermostat problems is the information provided right on your vehicles dash. If your INFINITIs temperature gauge is registering notably high temps, its time to take action to help your car keep its cool.
2. Erratic temps
Another sign of engine thermostat trouble is the air inside the vehicles cabin. If the cabins air changes significantly — it starts in a low range but then spikes to being very warm, for example — consider checking out the thermostat.
3. Leaking coolant
Remember how a thermostat helps regulate your car engines temps by allowing the coolant to carry away the heat generated by your engine? A faulty thermostat can prevent the proper valves from opening, resulting in coolant leaking out beneath your car.
4. Triggering the “check engine” light
Will a bad thermostat cause a check engine light? You bet. If you notice that your check engine light is on and your vehicle is showing additional signs of overheating, its best to have your thermostat checked immediately.
Replacing Your Cars Thermostat
The fact that you may have no fewer than three dashboard warnings about thermostat problems — the temperature gauge, the “Check Engine” light, and erratic temps blowing from the vents — shows just how crucial a reliable thermostat is to the proper functioning of your car.
If your INFINITIs thermostat needs to be replaced, its best to visit your local INFINITI service center for professional help keeping your INFINITI well-maintained.
Keep Your INFINITI Genuinely Cool
Ignoring a bad engine thermostat could quickly spell trouble for your INFINITIs engine! Look for signs that your engines thermostat needs to be replaced, and purchase a genuine replacement thermostat from INFINITI Parts for a guaranteed fit.