The thermostat in your vehicle really only does one thing, but it does it extremely well. Put simply, it prevents your engine from overheating. How it does this is a bit more complicated, though.

How Do Thermostats Work?

Essentially, thermostat is nothing more than a valve. The thermostat has a wax that expands whenever the engine's temperature increases. The valve opens once the wax expands far enough, in order to allow coolant to begin flowing from the radiator to the engine. The coolant circulates through the engine and collects heat, then returns to the radiator. The heat is then safely released into the atmosphere through the radiator's large, flat, finned surface.

How Do You Spot Thermostat Problems?

Thermostat failure is rare, but it can happen. Signs of thermostat failure include:

• Engine starts overheating
• You have trouble with your HVAC system
• The "Check Engine" dash warning light comes on
• The engine runs less efficiently

It's easy to monitor your thermostat's condition. Just check the temperature gauge. If the needle is dead center, or reads slightly cold, you're fine. If not, you may want to conduct further testing

Where Can You Buy Genuine OEM Thermostats?

If you do need to replace your thermostat, get the right one for your vehicle. Your manufacturer makes the only thermostats that are guaranteed to be compatible with your model, ensuring the easy installation and guaranteed performance you're seeking. Our online auto parts catalog has yours in stock and ready to ship, so complete your order today!