Getting a car thermostat replaced is no problem. It can be easily replaced at any car mechanic repair shop. And the cost of this ranges from $100 to $300 or even more. These values depend mostly on the type of car. Read through far more on this!
Why Your Car Needs a Functioning Thermostat
All the thermostat does is regulate the car’s temperature. All cars come with at least one thermostat. The thermostat is located between the car’s engine and radiator.
Cars have two thermostats, one for the engine and one for the air in the car. This second thermostat is also called the Temperature Control Sensor.
This thermostat is located in the Air Conditioning unit. When your car’s AC goes out, it does not affect the engine’s thermostat. However, the reverse is not the case.
All cars use coolants for keeping the engine cool. When the coolant is placed, it absorbs the heat from your engine, and this hot coolant is converted to air in the radiator. And thus eliminated from the car by the cooling fans.
The process explained above is controlled by the thermostat. Without the thermostat, this function would be unsuccessful and eventually results in overheating or cooling and other related problems for your car.
Getting a New Thermostat For Your Car and the Cost
When getting a replacement thermostat your mechanic is going to look at the type of car the customer owns. Likewise, the cost of replacing the thermostat depends on the type of car owned by the customer.
It is important for the thermostat to be compatible with your ride, to ensure it lasts longer and doesn’t cause any future complications.
Once you notice a problem with your thermostat getting it replaced immediately can save you future damage to your car and repairs and costs. Some things that can show that your thermostat is broken or bad include;
Temperature gauge. This is usually present on the dashboard. When your thermostat works just fine, the gauge’s pointer should stop at the midpoint between the hot and cold regions. If otherwise, there is likely a problem with the thermostat. If you see the gauge fluctuating, that is a sure sign.
Leaking coolant. If you notice the coolant in your car is leaking, there could be a problem with your thermostat. This isn’t always certain as a leaking coolant could be so many other things one of which is a bad radiator.
Increased consumption of fuel. If you notice your fuel runs out faster, there could be a problem with your thermostat.
As stated earlier, different car types have different costs for the replacement of a bad thermostat. Below is a list of some common cars and their thermostat replacement costs.
Chevrolet Silverado – $600. Toyota Highlander – $601. Jaguar XJ – $500. Chevrolet Sonic – $350. Ford Focus – $348. Mercedes-Benz E350 – $370. Toyota Camry – $271. Toyota Hilux – $194. Ford Fusion – $157. Honda Accord – $144.
Conclusion
Getting a car thermostat replacement can be pricey. The costs depend on the type of car you use, the higher the brand the higher the cost. However, getting the thermostat replaced as early as possible, would cause you fewer damage costs in the future. Getting your car checked regularly is always a good idea. Early is best!
Can I change my car’s thermostat myself?
When a customer goes to the mechanic shop to get the thermostat replaced, most of the money they would be charged would be the labor cost, that is the charge for the service of the mechanic. The thermostat doesn’t cost much. Therefore, changing the thermostat yourself is not an easy task. But with the right knowledge and tool, it can be done!
How long does it take to get a thermostat fixed in my car?
It should take about an hour maximum. This depends on the car type and the complication the broken thermostat may have caused. Some mechanics can get it done in thirty minutes minimum.
Do all cars use the same thermostat?
No. Different cars have different thermostats. This is so because the temperature rating may differ, and using the wrong thermostat for a car can lead to more damage in the car, and hence more damages cost.
How often should I replace my car’s thermostat?
It depends on the type your car uses and other factors such as harsh weather. Most car technicians advise that the thermostat be changed every 10 years. However, thermostats don’t usually last that long these days. Therefore, the thermostat can be changed every five months. General car check-ups are always advisable.
