How often do car thermostats go bad?

The average lifespan of a thermostat is at least 10 years. Dust and aging wiring can cause the thermostats to malfunction after a decade.

How do you know if you need a new thermostat in your car?

Symptoms of a Failing Car Thermostat

1. The temperature gauge reads high and the engine overheats.
2. The temperature changes erratically.
3. The vehicle’s coolant leaks around the thermostat or under the vehicle.

When should I replace my thermostat?

9 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Thermostat

• Your Thermostat Is Analog.
• Your Thermostat Isn’t Programmable.
• Your Thermostat Is Older than Ten Years.
• Your HVAC Turns On and Off.
• Your Energy Bills Are Unusually High.
• Your Thermostat Gives Faulty Readings.
• Your Thermostat Doesn’t Respond to Settings Changes.

How long should a thermostat last?

about 10 years
But, just how long will a thermostat last? They generally last about 10 years but can last longer depending on the make, model, and type of thermostat. Over time, these systems start to age and a thermostat may malfunction because of normal wear and tear, dust accumulation, wiring issues, and rusting.

What are signs of bad thermostat?

5 Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat (and Replacement Cost)

• #1 – Temperature Gauge Reading Higher (or Lower) Than Normal.
• #2 – Sudden Air Temperature Changes Inside Vehicle.
• #3 – Coolant Leaking.
• #4 – Rumbling Noises.
• #5 – Heater Malfunction.

How do I know if my car thermostat is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat

1. Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating.
2. Temperature changing erratically.
3. Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.

What are the symptoms of a faulty car thermostat?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat

• Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating.
• Temperature changing erratically.
• Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.

What makes a car thermostat go bad?

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat in a car?

Overheated Engine An overheated engine is the most concerning symptom of a bad car thermostat.

Cabin Temperature Changes When you control the air settings inside your vehicle,the temperature should stay pretty consistent with what those settings are.

Coolant Leak A bad thermostat might stay shut,even when it’s not supposed to be.

How do you tell if a thermostat is bad?

Check your temperature gauge in the car. A stuck thermostat might be to blame if your gauge marker nears the red danger zone within five to 15 minutes. Turn off your car and allow it to cool before opening the hood. Unhook your coolant reservoir if you can undo it and pour the antifreeze into a container.

How long do it take to replace car thermostat thermostats?

The time required varies by vehicle year, make, and model. The required time could range from 1/2 hour to literally hours in some unusual designs. For your particular year, make and model, that is a 2002 Protege, it requires about 1 hour to remove and replace the thermostat.

How do you replace a thermostat in a car?

Replacing a Thermostat in Your Car Make sure your car has cooled down. Drain the antifreeze out of your car. Locate your thermostat. Remove the radiator hose and take apart the thermostat casing. If desired, test your thermostat. Swap out your old thermostat for the new one. Reassemble the system. Replace the coolant and check for leaks.