
How much will it cost to replace a car thermostat?
The costs to replace your thermostat will really depend on which mechanic you choose, where you live, and what type of vehicle is under repair. From our research, professional rates range anywhere from $115 to $300; so be sure to ask for quotes first.
How much to fix thermostat in car?
When to consider replacing the engine cooling system thermostat:
- Engine overheats. A thermostat with the valve stuck closed is a common cause of engine overheating. ...
- Temperature gauge reads too low or too high. Thermostats can get sticky, causing the engine temperature to stray from the optimal range. ...
- Cooling system repairs. All thermostats eventually fail. ...
How much is the repairs for replacing a thermostat?
- Cost of labor. The pricing of water heater repairs can be variable. One of the big factors is cost of labor. ...
- Make and model. The make and model of your unit also come under consideration. Some units are simply more expensive. ...
- Quality of work. It’s good to look for an affordable plumber. Find someone who will give you a bargain. ...
What is the best car thermostat?
Best Overall Smart Thermostat: Ecobee with Voice Control Thermostat; Best Value Smart Thermostat: Wyze Thermostat; Best Learning Thermostat: Google Nest Learning Thermostat

How much does it cost to replace a car's thermostat?
But for the average car owner, you can expect to pay between $140 and $300 for a professional mechanic to replace the thermostat in your vehicle for you. The cost of the actual thermostat unit itself is usually between $20 and $80 but can be more for luxury or sports cars.
Can I still drive my car if the thermostat is broken?
Can I Still Drive with a Bad Thermostat? The easy answer to this question is no. While your car may be physically able to move and get you from Point A to Point B, you will want to refrain from operating your vehicle. This can lead to more parts of your vehicle being damaged, especially if the engine is overheating.
What are the signs of a bad thermostat?
Here are 5 symptoms of a failing thermostat.Unusual Temperature Readings. Temperature Gauge. ... Cabin Temperature Changes. Higher Cabin Temperature / Representation. ... Coolant Leakage. Leaking Coolant. ... Strange Noises From The Engine Bay. Noises From The Engine Bay. ... Heater Malfunction. Heater Malfunction.
How long does it take to change a thermostat in a car?
around 1 hourAn average thermostat replacement takes around 1 hour, with some taking as little as 30 minutes. More problematic replacements can take a little longer where there are issues accessing an awkwardly positioned part or if it's become seriously stuck in place.
How long can a car run without a thermostat?
1.2. When you start a cold engine, the parts will wear out only inside the time of five minutes. And, because the parts are now worn out and not separated from the oil, the life span of the engine will minimize quickly.
Will a bad thermostat cause a car to overheat?
Faulty Thermostat Once the engine reaches operating temperature, the valve will open and coolant will begin to flow through the engine. A faulty thermostat might remain closed even when the engine is hot, which can quickly lead to overheating.
How do you know if your thermostat is stuck open?
0:001:523 Signs of a Stuck Open Car Thermostat Failing SymptomsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem when the thermostat is stuck open driver will notice the coolant temperature gauge staying onMoreSystem when the thermostat is stuck open driver will notice the coolant temperature gauge staying on the low. Side.
How do I know if my thermostat is stuck closed?
If it is not flowing, wait until your engine warms up. The coolant should warm to the right temperature and begin to flow after 10 to 20 minutes. If it does not start to flow, but the temperature gauge on your dashboard rises, your thermostat is stuck closed.
How do mechanics replace the engine cooling system thermostat?
Once the engine is completely cold, the radiator cap is loosened and enough coolant is drained from the radiator so the coolant level is below the thermostat housing.
What is a thermostat in a car?
The car's engine cooling system thermostat is a small valve within a cooling system passageway that opens and closes in response to the temperature of the circulating engine coolant. When your car is first started and the coolant is cold, the valve in the thermostat will be in the closed position, circulating the coolant flow only within ...
What is an engine cooling system thermostat and how does it work?
The car's engine cooling system thermostat is a small valve within a cooling system passageway that opens and closes in response to the temperature of the circulating engine coolant. When your car is first started and the coolant is cold, the valve in the thermostat will be in the closed position, circulating the coolant flow only within the engine instead of flowing to the radiator, which allows the engine to warm up fast, promoting fuel efficiency, low emissions, and reduced engine deposits. Once the engine coolant reaches the design temperature, usually around 195 degrees, the valve will open and close as you drive in order to maintain a coolant temperature typically between 195 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
What happens when an engine is cold?
Once the engine is completely cold, the radiator cap is loosened and enough coolant is drained from the radiator so the coolant level is below the thermostat housing. The thermostat housing is removed and the thermostat and gasket are extracted.
Why does my engine overheat?
Engine overheats. A thermostat with the valve stuck closed is a common cause of engine overheating. However, since there are other causes of overheating, a mechanic will thoroughly inspect the cooling system prior to condemning the thermostat.
Why replace thermostat when engine overheats?
Engine overheating due to causes other than a faulty thermostat, will themselves damage a thermostat. Therefore, always replace the thermostat if the engine overheats, even if the thermostat was not the initial cause of the overheating.
What temperature should the coolant valve be?
Once the engine coolant reaches the design temperature, usually around 195 degrees, the valve will open and close as you drive in order to maintain a coolant temperature typically between 195 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Thermostat.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in a Toyota Corolla?
Toyota Corolla. $170. It’s a critical component of any car – soaring temperatures can make for an uncomfortable drive, but they can damage your vehiclețs engine too. The costs to replace your thermostat will really depend on which mechanic you choose, where you live, and what type of vehicle is under repair.
How long does it take to replace a thermostat?
A replacement thermostat is then installed along with a fresh coolant refill which typically takes about 60 minutes for most vehicles to complete.
What happens when a thermostat fails?
When a thermostat fails to work, it often remains open and the engine is allowed to run cooler than usual. If this happens then your “check engine” light may illuminate as well. However, in some cases, you might see poor gas mileage or even notice that your heater only blows cool air without any heat coming out of it at all.
Why do you need a thermostat for your car?
This thermostat will help ensure your car engine is at the perfect temperature to operate efficiently. Once you start up, it ensures that all coolant reaches a safe temperature so that there are no overheating problems.
What is the thermostat in an engine?
The engine’s thermostat is responsible for monitoring and regulating the flow of coolant. The physical valve blocks or allows this flow depending on if it has reached a designated temperature, which determines how quickly your car will warm up.
What happens if you leave the thermostat on?
If the thermostat remains in the closed position, this means that coolant will not be signaled to make its way to your engine. This can cause it to overheat and if left untreated may result in a blown head gasket or worse yet, a blown engine. Even if the thermostat is left on open, driving like this, without fixing it for too long could affect fuel efficiency and without proper heating capabilities, you won’t have heat inside of the car either. Get any issues fixed immediately before ending up with costly repairs down the line.
How much does a thermostat cost?
AutoZone lets you search by make, model, and year to make it easier for you. A thermostat on its own can cost anywhere from a slowest $12 to about $150. This can be very handy if you are the kind of person who likes to do some do-it-yourself car repairs and you want to swap out the thermostat on your own.
How much does a thermostat cost for a Honda accord?
The cost of a thermostat for a Honda Accord sits at $150 to $190 for instance while the cost of a thermostat for a Jaguar XJ may cost you between $400 and $500.
How Does Your Car's Thermostat Work?
The thermostat in your car is a valve that's part of the cooling system. It helps regulate how the coolant moves from the engine to the radiator and back. Without your thermostat your engine would not be able to operate at the proper temperature and you would suffer serious problems with overheating in the damage associated with that.
Why is my thermostat leaking coolant?
If it is leaking around the thermostat it's possible that your valve is stuck in the closed position and pressure is causing the coolant to leak out.
What is the thermostat in an engine?
The thermostat itself is a small part that sits between the radiator in the engine. When the engine reaches the right temperature, the valve opens and allows coolant to circulate through everywhere bringing the temperature back down again. When your engine has cooled down, the valve closes so that the flow of coolant is stopped temporarily, ...
What happens when the thermostat is not working?
When the thermostat is working properly the coolant circulates from the engine to the radiator to maintain a constant temperature. What is not working properly, if the valve gets stuck open or clothes, then the flow of coolant is improperly regulated. The thermostat itself is a small part that sits between the radiator in the engine.
How to tell if thermostat is bad?
If there's something wrong with the thermostat in your car there are going to be a few signs that you can be on the lookout for to let you know that it's either failing or broken completely. Generally, your thermostat fails by the valve getting stuck in either the open or closed position. Either one of these is potentially harmful, as the flow of coolant needs to be regulated. To have it cut off completely or to have it running all the time are both conditions that can potentially damage your vehicle. Each one has some signs that you could be on the lookout for.
How much does a thermostat cost for a Mercedes?
For example, a new thermostat for a high-end Mercedes Benz costs around $300, the most of any vehicle we sampled.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in a Jaguar XJ?
On the other hand, for a luxury import vehicle like a Jaguar XJ, you might be looking at over $400 to replace the thermostat.
How to get fluid out of radiator?
Disconnect the radiator hose. Follow the hose to the radiator where the thermostat is located . Remove the clamp from the hose and pull the hose off. This is where some of the radiator fluid will pour out into your bucket, so make sure it’s lined up properly.
Why do people have thermostats swapped out?
Most people have their thermostat swapped out when they have the water pump or radiator worked on or replaced. This will help cut down on labor costs since the mechanic is already working on that part of the engine.
What is a thermostat?
The thermostat is an essential vehicle component that monitors and helps regulate your engine’s temperature. When it’s faulty, it can cause your engine to overheat or cause other issues that impact your vehicle’s performance.
Where is the thermostat located on a car?
Locate the thermostat. In most vehicles, you’ll find it where the top radiator hose connects to the engine. If you don’t find it there, check the bottom radiator hose. The next steps will be the same regardless of which side your thermostat is located.
What happens if you don't replace your thermostat?
If your thermostat fails and you don’t have it replaced, you may end up causing significant damage that will be very expensive to repair later on. If your engine shows signs of overheating or you suspect a problem with the cooling system, take it to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
What is a thermostat?
The thermostat is a valve that helps control engine temperature. When the engine is cold, the thermostat stays closed to block coolant flow to the radiator, letting the engine warm up faster. Once the engine hits a certain temperature, the thermostat opens up, allowing coolant into the radiator, where it can cool off and keep the car from overheating.
What happens if your thermostat is stuck?
A thermostat that is stuck closed will cause the vehicle to overheat. If a new thermostat doesn't resolve engine temperature problems, the cooling system needs to be checked for other issues.
What are the symptoms related to a bad thermostat?
The bad thermostat can cause two different sets of problems, depending on whether it's stuck open or stuck closed.
Do thermostats wear the same as tires?
It all depends on the type of car you have and your driving conditions. The thermostat does not wear the same way a tire does, but will eventually fail and require replacement. Often, a new thermostat is recommended as preventative maintenance any time the cooling system is serviced, such as during radiator hose replacement or a timing belt service.
Can I drive with a thermostat problem?
If the thermostat is stuck closed, no, you should stop driving immediately; if you don't, the engine can quickly overheat. An overheating engine should be shut off, and the vehicle should be towed. Overheating can severely damage the engine after only a few minutes.
What is the car thermostat?
The car thermostat is a metal valve with an integrated temperature sensor. Together with the coolant, radiator and water pump, the car thermostat is part of the car's engine cooling system.
Why is it essential to have a working car thermostat?
Let's start by saying that the car thermostat has nothing to do with the car thermometer. The former regulates the flow of coolant to the engine, the latter indicates the atmospheric temperature. Damage to the car thermostat can cause serious problems to the car, damage to the car thermometer, in the worst case, indicates an incorrect outside temperature.
