Is it hard to change a car thermostat?

Replacing a car's thermostat (or T-stat) is an easy and inexpensive repair, and in most cases will cure an overheating or no-heat problem, sparing the time and expense needed for expert diagnostics.

How long does it take to change thermostat in car?

It will take a mechanic between 1 to 2 hours to complete a thermostat replacement service. Depending on the shop you go to, labor can cost between $65 and $100 per hour, so call ahead to get a repair estimate.

Is thermostat hard to replace?

A thermostat is a tool that regulates heating and cooling, whether it be in your home or in your car. Replacing inefficient thermostats can help you save money on utility bills or, in your vehicle, keep you safe on the roads. Whatever your situation, replacing it yourself is a task that is surprisingly simple.

How much does it take to change a thermostat in a car?

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 you drive a car with a faulty thermostat?

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.

How to Replace a Bad Thermostat in Your Car

How can I tell if my thermostat is broken?

Do I have to drain coolant when replacing thermostat?

With a normal top-mounted thermostat you need drain only part of the cooling system . Do not drain it while the engine is hot — you may be scalded. Wait for the engine to cool. Drain the coolant from the radiator tap, or from the bottom hose, until it is below the level of the thermostat housing.

Can I replace my old thermostat with a new one?

It is possible to replace your old thermostat yourself, but you'll need some basic electrical knowledge and have to carefully follow the instructions to do it properly and safely.

What causes a thermostat to fail?

Thermostats fail because they become weak, stuck open or stuck closed. When a thermostat is stuck open, coolant constantly circulates and the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature.

How much do thermostats cost?

Thermostat Type

The most inexpensive options are manual thermostats, which only cost about $15 to $30, while smart thermostats are typically the most expensive, ranging from $130 to $300 or more.

What tools do I need to change a thermostat?

What to do after replacing a thermostat?

After replacing a thermostat, the technician should ensure all air pockets are removed from the cooling system. Otherwise, the vehicle will be more likely to overheat. After replacing the thermostat, refill antifreeze. Leave the radiator cap off, and start the vehicle.

How do I know what kind of thermostat I need?

When should I change my thermostat?

Generally, it's a good idea to replace your thermostat roughly as often as you replace your climate control systems. So, every time you replace your air conditioner or heater, you should be installing a new thermostat as well.

Why is my car still overheating after changing thermostat?

If your car is still overheating even after you've changed the thermostat, you're likely dealing with an issue with your radiator. It could be clogged, which would restrict the flow of coolant and cause your radiator to overheat.

How many thermostats does a car have?

Most cars have two thermostats, but the number can vary depending on the car. Typically, with two thermostats, one is connected to your car's AC system and one to the engine cooling system. The thermostats help circulate coolant either through your car's engine or AC system, along with other intricate parts.

How can I test my car thermostat without removing it?

Start your car's engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.

How do you check if a thermostat is working?

Check the screen: Check the screen of the thermostat and make sure that it is lighted. A blank or unlighted screen could indicate a thermostat failure. Check the batteries: Many modern thermostats rely on battery power to operate. If the screen is blank or unlighted, a battery change could solve the problem.

What happens when you have a bad thermostat?

A faulty thermostat will result in strange temperature changes during engine operation. In this case, the thermostat will not get stuck in one position, but there will still be false readings causing control issues. The engine temperature will change unpredictably and the radiator coolant will not flow normally.

How long do thermostats last car?

However, most car experts recommend car thermostat replacement after 10 years. However, this is an optimistic number. Thermostats are more likely to stop working much earlier than a decade. Some factors that induce an early thermostat failure include harsh weather, rough driving, bad engine or thermostat parts.

Why would my car overheat but the heater blows cold air?

This can have a number of causes, with a faulty radiator cap being the most common. If you notice your engine is overheating, it also could be a blown head gasket, which is much more serious. Air bubbles in the cooling system can cause your heater to blow cold air, but they can do much worse if left unchecked.