Have you ever left the house in a heavy winter coat in the middle of July? Of course not. Well, that’s what your engine feels like during thermostat failure. The engine either overheats under the weight of that “coat” or never gets warm enough to run right if it’s cold. Neither situation ends well for your customers.
How Thermostat Failure Happens
Technicians often overlook the thermostat when a cooling system loses integrity from a leak, a bad water pump, or overheating. Inside is a mix of brass and beeswax working against a spring. When the engine reaches operating temperature, the wax melts, pushes the spring, and opens the thermostat to allow coolant flow. But if the system overheats, that wax can degrade and the spring can weaken.
If the thermostat sticks closed, the engine overheats again. If it sticks open, the engine never reaches operating temperature. Both conditions cause drivability issues while also hurting emissions and fuel economy.
Preventing Future Drivability Problems
These hidden failures often lead to comebacks, something every shop wants to avoid. If you’re repairing a cooling system that’s been drained, overheated, or opened for work like a timing belt or water pump replacement, recommending a new thermostat is good insurance. It protects the repair you just completed and keeps the customer’s vehicle running at the right temperature.
Building Customer Loyalty With Thermostat Replacement
Suggesting a small, inexpensive part like a thermostat during repairs shows you invest in the vehicle’s long-term health. That kind of attention to detail prevents thermostat failure from causing future breakdowns, builds trust, and strengthens customer loyalty.
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