How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Car Thermostat?

Engine overheating is a severe problem that many drivers encounter after years of vehicle ownership. Usually, it is due to some cooling system component becoming faulty or the coolant itself being ineffective at its job. 

However, the most likely cause is the thermostat, which plays an essential role in regulating engine temperatures. But as you might not know what exactly it does or which symptoms point to it being faulty, let’s go in-depth and look into thermostats in greater detail. 

What Does The Thermostat Do?

The thermostat is one of the most critical parts of your engine. It is a small valve that controls the temperature in your engine. The thermostat regulates how much coolant flows through your radiator and keeps everything at safe operating temperatures.

There are two types of thermostats: mechanical and electric. The difference between them lies in how they operate. Mechanical thermostats are spring-loaded, and electric ones are controlled by an electrical signal from your vehicle’s engine control module (ECM).

In some older cars like Fords from the early 1960s, it was under the hood near other sensors and just outside where you could reach it easily if needed. In newer vehicles with more complicated designs, like Toyotas or Mazdas made after about 2000, getting to this part requires removing several panels.

Why Does The Thermostat Fail?

The thermostat is a safety device that prevents your engine from overheating. If it fails to open to allow the coolant in, you could have a serious problem. The most common reasons for this malfunction include the following:

• The component succumbed to wear and tear or is broken.
• The thermostat is stuck in either the open or closed position.
• The thermostat is clogged due to dirt and debris.

Fixing The Thermostat

Fortunately, there's some good news: the cost of fixing a thermostat is generally much lower than you might expect. How much? Well, it depends on several factors:

• Location of the mechanic shop. If you live in a large metropolitan area, expect to pay more than in a small town due to salary differences and mechanic qualifications.
• Type of car. If it's an older model, it’ll take longer for the mechanic to diagnose the problem, which could boost the overall costs. On the other hand, new automobiles are easier to handle because all the parts are readily available.
• Type of thermostat being repaired or replaced. The type of thermostat being repaired or replaced will also affect the cost. For example, a mechanical thermostat generally costs less than an electronic one because it doesn't require additional parts.

Generally, repairing a thermostat costs around $200 to $500. This is the price range you'll find for most vehicles, although some may be higher or lower depending on the circumstances. But if we’re talking complete replacement, expect the price to increase by $50.

Prolonging Thermostat’s Service Life

Taking care of your cooling system is essential, especially if you want it to last. Here are some things you can do to prolong the service life of your thermostat:

• Keep it clean. Cleaning out the dust and debris on top of the thermostat will help keep it running smoothly because excess buildup can cause overheating.
• Don't let it overheat or freeze. If you notice that one side of your engine is hotter than the other, this could indicate an issue with your cooling system. That spells trouble for all engine parts, including your thermostat, and you should drive to the nearest auto shop as soon as possible.
• Keep track of coolant levels. If your car is running hot because you don't have enough coolant, this can also affect your thermostat. Check the coolant reservoir periodically or, once again, visit an auto shop for the mechanic to take care of everything.

Summary

If you're experiencing problems with your car's cooling system, check the thermostat first. If it's faulty or outright broken, it can cause overheating and other issues that lead to more serious repairs. 

To avoid any further issues, take your car to an auto shop or pop the hood open and check things out yourself. If the thermostat is indeed faulty, either replace yourself or delegate the repair job to a mechanic, where the latter will ask you for around $200-$500 and a little extra if there’re more problems with the cooling system. 

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