How to Check the Car Engine Thermostat
The engine thermostat in a car functions as the most important cooling system. So, if there is damage, it will cause the car engine to heat up quickly.
For this reason, every user of this vehicle needs to know how to check the car engine thermostat. Some of the methods used for this check tend to be easy to follow.
The car thermostat component will always keep the engine temperature stable at 80o to 90o Celsius. The working system is that the thermostat will close the cooling water channel before the engine reaches working temperature.
Then, at working temperature, the thermostat will open to keep the temperature stable.
How to Check the Car Engine Thermostat
Like other components, the thermostat is also at risk of damage. So, to ensure that the thermostat is always in good condition, regular checks are needed so that if damage occurs, it can be handled immediately by experts.
Below are the procedures for checking the car engine thermostat that you need to know.
1. Prepare Tools and Materials
The first way to check is, you need to prepare the necessary tools and materials. Some of these tools include a saucepan, a measuring tool, and an electric stove. All of these tools must be available to check the car engine thermostat.
In addition, these various equipment also have an important role. First, the pot must be filled with hot water for later soaking the car engine thermostat.
Then, the measuring tool is used to measure the height increase, and finally the electric stove as a water heating device in the pot.
2. Remove the Engine Thermostat
The next way to check the car engine thermostat is, you need to remove the thermostat from its place. However, before removing you need to make sure the car engine is not hot. Also, make sure to remove it properly to avoid damage to other components.
Removing the thermometer component is done so that the process of releasing water in the radiator can be done more easily. The next step is to remove the hose from the thermostat as well as the outlet.
3. Put the thermostat in a pot filled with water
The next way to check the car engine thermostat is, you need to put the thermostat in a pot filled with water. However, it should be noted that the water used must be hot water. After that, you can install the thermostat gradually according to the manual you have and make sure to follow the directions written.
4. Check the Thermostat Valve
Next, how to check the engine thermostat from the car, you need to check the thermostat valve. Check whether the valve can be opened and closed normally or not.
Also note, the initial temperature needs to be at 80 to 84 degrees centigrade. If, the initial valve opening is not right with the existing specifications, then it is certain that there is a problem and a replacement should be made immediately.
In addition, make sure to do the replacement at a trusted and qualified workshop. This is important because by choosing the right workshop, the results given will be more optimal and more durable.
5. Check the Thermostat Full Opening
The last way to check the car engine thermostat is, you need to check the full opening of the thermostat. This check aims to determine the high rise of the valve. The thermostat will increase at a temperature of 95 degrees centigrade with a height of about 8 mm.
To do this, you can use a tool such as a caliper. Then, if the increase that occurs in your car engine is not in accordance with the specifications, it should be replaced to a trusted workshop.
How to Maintain the Car Engine Thermostat
After knowing the various ways to check the car engine thermostat that can be done, you also need to know how to maintain it so that your thermostat component is not easily damaged. Here are some ways to maintain the car engine thermostat that you can do quite easily.
1. Diligently Drain the Radiator
The first way you can do this is by diligently draining the coolant in the radiator section of the car engine.
This replacement needs to be done regularly so that your car engine thermostat component lasts longer. Meanwhile, the recommended time to replace the radiator engine fluid or water coolant is once every 40,000 km.
2. Using Quality Water Coolant
The next way to make the thermostat component in your car last longer is to always use a coolant or water coolant that has good quality.
Each manufacturer usually provides radiator coolant that has undergone a series of tests, so that it matches the car produced.
However, it's not just limited to that because you can buy the coolant in the aftermarket. However, it is important to know in advance which brands have been tested and have reliable quality. So, the radiator and thermostat components can adjust to the coolant.
3. Diligently Check the Radiator Cooling Fan
Next, you must also be diligent in checking the cooling fan in the radiator. Cleaning must be done regularly and don't forget, if you don't want your car engine thermostat to be damaged and make the car engine heat up quickly.
This will be very fatal if left unchecked. Especially if you are driving a car and have to get stuck in traffic. The car engine will overheat if the cooling fan has a problem.
4. Replace the Radiator Cap
Finally, the radiator cap needs to be replaced regularly at least once every 4 to 5 years. This needs to be done, because on the radiator cap there is a rubber seal that functions as an adhesive when the radiator cap is paired. So, the water in it does not seep out which will cause overheating.
You can replace this radiator cap at a trusted workshop such as Dokter Mobil. This is very important to do because the engine thermostat plays an important role in the engine operating system, so choosing the right workshop is very important so that the results given can be maximised.