Thermostat

A thermostat is a valve between the engine and the radiator and ensures the engine stays at its ideal temperature.

When you start the engine the thermostat will be closed so that the engine warms up faster. When the engine is about to reach its optimal temperature, the thermostat will then allow the coolant to circulate through the radiator (to reduce its temperature) and ensure that the engine doesn't overheat.

It might be an inexpensive part but its role is of major importance.

Excessive cooling

With an open thermostat or without a thermostat (yes, some people run their car without the thermostat, which is very WRONG) you would have excessive cooling all the time and your engine wouldn't work at its optimal temperature. This would lead to less performance, higher fuel consumption and emissions, and the oil wouldn't be hot enough to work at its best. Your spark plugs would also deteriorate faster and the engine's internals would suffer increased wear.

If you face cold weather difficulties increase. And when you turn on the cockpit heater the coolant temperature needle will probably go all the way down, unable to provide comfortable temperature in the cabin.

This isn't adequate and far from preserving your engine's health and efficiency.

Overheating

The contrary problem is if the thermostat doesn't allow enough cooling. Using a thermostat that does not open fully or doesn't even open means the engine will be working at higher temperature than adequate. That can lead to head gasket problems and having your engine open for repair. But that's not all; eventually, it can overheat and damage your engine beyond repair.

Keep it cool

Through time and use a thermostat will lose its efficiency. In my experience, they tend to start opening sooner than they should which leads to excessive cooling.

This will keep the engine running a bit below its optimal temperature most of the time, costing you more fuel. I changed my thermostat and PCV valve at the same time and immediately noticed that my fuel consumption reduced by over 1L/100 kms (a reduction of at least 13% on my fuel consumption).

It is desirable that the engine warms up quickly in order to reduce engine wear and carbon build ups formed. Also, fuel consumption and emissions will be lower.

I suggest you change your thermostat at every 80.000-100.000 kms (50.000-62.000 miles) or each 5 years to ensure its peak performance. It's a small investment that will keep your engine at optimal temperature.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/fuel-economy-fast-how-your-thermostat-might-be-wasting-your-fuel-1073506.html

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