Car Thermostat replacement & repair made easy

The thermostat is part of the cooling system in every car. It consists of a metal valve that regulates the amount of coolant that flows to the engine. It maintains the engine's temperature at a constant and optimal level. If the engine runs hot the valve in the thermostat opens and lets more coolant flow to the engine (from the radiator) in other cases it stays closed.

• Mechanic will read the ECU to see if there are any related fault codes.
• Mechanic will inspect the thermostat and the cooling system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the thermostat.
• Mechanic will close the cooling system and refill the system with engine coolant.
• Mechanic will run the engine and, if necessary, test drive the car.
• Mechanic will make any adjustments if necessary.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a car thermostat replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• When the 'Check Engine' light is on.
• When the 'Engine Temperature warning light is on.
• When the engine runs at a higher temperature than usual.
• When the car's heater has failed.

On average a car thermostat replacement will usually take around 1 hours, but can take anywhere from under 1 to over 2 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Seeing that the thermostat is a component that is especially prone to wear it should always be serviced as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.

Over time problems can occur with the thermostat due extensive use. The thermostat is in use when the engine runs with the valve opening and closing continuously, to keep the engine at the ideal temperature. It is one of the most common components in the cooling system to fail and can, moreover, lead to the engine overheating and potentially suffer severe engine damage.

Additionally, it can also get clogged up by dirt in the engine coolant meaning that less coolant can circulate through the system, causing the engine to overheat as well. Should you experience an issue like this or those listed earlier, it is advisable to have the thermostat inspected as soon as possible and, if necessary, have it replaced.

If you suspect there is any issue with your thermostat or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect and do not drive the vehicle. Driving with a faulty thermostat can lead to the engine overheating or lead further complications on your vehicle and potentially engine damage.

Cost for a thermostat housing depends on your location, car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your thermostat housing replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!

You should only replace the thermostat housing if it has been diagnosed by a professional mechanic that it needs replacing. If you are in doubt on whether the thermostat needs replacing check with a mechanic who can advise on the next steps.

Typical thermostat housing leaks can include:

• Thermostat gasket is leaking
• Thermostat housing has failed

In most cases, thermostats can last at least 10 years. This can be lower depending on factors such as how you drive and external factors.

It is not recommended to drive with a faulty or broken thermostat as it can cause serious damage to the engine, and can lead to an overheating engine.

If you notice a dashboard warning light with a thermometer in two flowing waves, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat and engine temperature.

Ignoring this warning light could lead to the engine overheating and cause serious damage to the engine. It is recommended to stop as soon as it is safe to do so when the warning light illuminates so as to prevent any further damage to the engine.

A faulty thermostat in itself may not result in an MOT failure, however, it can result in other issues with associated car parts that could be observed by the MOT tester as a fault such as overheating or emissions fail. If you notice that the thermostat is faulty, it is best to get it checked and fixed as soon as possible to avoid risking an MOT failure.