Do you know what a thermostat is? A thermostat is a small part that helps your car engine stay at the right temperature. It does this by controlling how much coolant goes through the engine and the radiator. Coolant is a liquid that absorbs the heat from the engine and releases it through the radiator.

Having a thermostat in your car is important because it makes your engine work better, use less gas, and last longer. It also protects your engine from getting too hot or too cold, which can cause serious problems.

But what if your thermostat breaks or gets stuck? Can you drive a car without a thermostat? The answer is yes, but it is not a good idea. Driving a car without a thermostat can damage your engine and reduce your performance. However, sometimes you may have to do it, such as when your thermostat fails and you need to get to a mechanic or a safe place.


In this article, we will explain:

  1. Different types of thermostats and how they work
  2. The symptoms of a bad thermostat
  3. How to test a thermostat
  4. What happens to your car engine when it doesn’t have a thermostat
  5. What are the risks of driving a car without a thermostat.
  6. How to drive a car without a thermostat safely,
  7. When might it be necessary to drive a car without a thermostat,
  8. Safety tips for driving a car without a  thermostat
  9. How to replace a thermostat.


Engine Thermostat

Types of Thermostats and How They Work

There are two main types of thermostats: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical thermostats use a metal valve that expands and contracts with the temperature. Electronic thermostats use a sensor and a computer to control the valve. Both types of thermostats have a spring that keeps the valve closed when the engine is cold and opens it when the engine is warm.


The thermostat is usually located near the upper radiator hose, where it connects to the engine block or the cylinder head. The thermostat housing is a metal or plastic cover that holds the thermostat in place. The thermostat has a temperature rating that tells you when it should open or close. For example, a 195°F thermostat should open at 195°F and close below that.

The thermostat works like this: When the engine is cold, the thermostat is closed and the coolant circulates only within the engine. This helps the engine warm up faster and run more efficiently. When the engine reaches the optimal temperature, usually between 195°F and 220°F, the thermostat opens and the coolant flows through the radiator, where it is cooled down by the air. This prevents the engine from overheating and damaging itself.


The Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat

A bad thermostat can cause your car to overheat or run too cold, which can lead to serious problems. Here are some signs that your thermostat may be faulty:

  • Your temperature gauge or warning light shows that your engine is overheating or running too cold.
  • Your heater or air conditioner is not working properly.
  • Your gas mileage is lower than usual.
  • Your engine performance is poor or sluggish.
  • Your engine makes knocking, pinging, or detonation noises.
  • You see steam, smoke, or coolant leaks from your engine or radiator.


How to Test a Thermostat

If you suspect that your thermostat is bad, you can test it to confirm. Here are some ways to test a thermostat:

  • Check the temperature of the upper and lower radiator hoses. When the engine is cold, both hoses should be cold. When the engine is warm, the upper hose should be hot and the lower hose should be warm. If the upper hose is cold and the lower hose is hot, your thermostat may be stuck closed. If both hoses are cold, your thermostat may be stuck open.
  • Check the temperature of the radiator. When the engine is cold, the radiator should be cold. When the engine is warm, the radiator should be warm or hot. If the radiator is cold when the engine is warm, your thermostat may be stuck closed. If the radiator is hot when the engine is cold, your thermostat may be stuck open.
  • Remove the thermostat and inspect it. Look for signs of corrosion, damage, or debris. You can also test the thermostat by placing it in a pot of boiling water and observing if it opens or closes. If the thermostat does not open or close, or if it opens or closes at the wrong temperature, it is defective and needs to be replaced.


What Happens to a Car Engine When It Doesn’t Have a Thermostat?

When your car doesn’t have a thermostat, the coolant will flow freely through the engine and the radiator at all times. This means that your engine will not be able to reach the optimal temperature and will run too cold or too hot, depending on the weather and driving conditions.

  1. If your engine runs too cold, it will not burn the fuel properly and will produce more emissions. This can damage your catalytic converter and other components of your exhaust system. It can also reduce your engine power, fuel economy, and performance. Your car may also have trouble starting, idling, or accelerating.
  2. If your engine runs too hot, it will overheat and cause the metal parts to expand and warp. This can lead to leaks, cracks, or blown head gaskets. It can also damage your pistons, valves, cylinders, and other parts of your engine. Your car may also experience loss of power, knocking, pinging, or detonation.


What Are the Risks of Driving a Car Without a Thermostat?

Driving a car without a thermostat is risky and not recommended. Here are some of the risks of doing so:

  1. You can damage your engine and reduce its lifespan.
  2. You can lower your gas mileage and increase your emissions.
  3. You can compromise your safety and comfort.
  4. You can void your warranty and insurance.


How to Drive a Car Without a Thermostat Safely

If you have to drive a car without a thermostat, you should take some precautions to avoid damaging your engine. Here are some tips to follow:

  1. Check your coolant level and make sure it is full and clean. If it is low or dirty, top it up or flush it out before driving.
  2. Monitor your temperature gauge and warning lights. If your engine starts to overheat, pull over and let it cool down. You can also turn on the heater and fan to help dissipate the heat. Do not open the radiator cap or the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot, as this can cause burns or explosions.
  3. Drive slowly and avoid heavy traffic, hills, or long distances. These can put more stress on your engine and make it overheat faster.
  4. Avoid using the air conditioner, as this can also increase the load on your engine and make it run hotter.
  5. Get your thermostat fixed or replaced as soon as possible. Driving without a thermostat is only a temporary solution and not a permanent one.


When Might It Be Necessary to Drive a Car Without a Thermostat?

There may be some situations where you have no choice but to drive a car without a thermostat, such as:

  1. When your thermostat breaks down and you need to get to a mechanic or a safe place.
  2. When you live in a very cold or very hot climate and your thermostat is not suitable for the temperature.
  3. When you want to improve your engine performance or fuel economy for a short period of time.

However, these are rare and exceptional cases and you should not drive without a thermostat for a long time or on a regular basis.


Safety Tips for Driving a Car Without a Thermostat

If you decide to drive a car without a thermostat, you should follow some safety tips to minimize the risks. Here are some of them:

  • Always carry a spare thermostat, a coolant, and a tool kit in your car. You never know when you might need them.
  • Always check your engine temperature and coolant level before and after driving. If you notice any signs of overheating or running too cold, stop and fix the problem immediately.
  • Always wear protective gloves, goggles, and clothing when handling the coolant or the thermostat. They can be very hot and toxic and can cause burns or poisoning.
  • Always dispose of the old thermostat and the coolant properly. Do not throw them in the trash or dump them in the environment. They can harm the wildlife and the water sources. Take them to a recycling center or a mechanic.


How to Extend the Life of a Thermostat

A thermostat is a relatively cheap and easy part to replace, but you can still extend its life and prevent it from failing prematurely. Here are some ways to do that:

  • Use the right type and amount of coolant for your car. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and check the label on the coolant bottle. Do not mix different types or colors of coolant, as this can cause corrosion or clogging.
  • Change your coolant regularly. The coolant can lose its effectiveness and become contaminated over time. You should change your coolant every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can also use a tester to check the condition of your coolant.
  • Flush your cooling system periodically. The cooling system can accumulate dirt, rust, or debris that can affect the flow and the temperature of the coolant. You should flush your cooling system every five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can also use a cleaner to remove any deposits or contaminants.
  • Inspect your thermostat and its housing for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks, leaks, corrosion, or debris. If you find any, replace them as soon as possible.


How to Replace a Thermostat

If your thermostat is broken, you can replace it yourself or take it to a mechanic. Replacing a thermostat is not very difficult, but it requires some tools and skills. Here are the basic steps to replace a thermostat:

  1. Locate the thermostat housing. It is usually attached to the engine block or the cylinder head, near the upper radiator hose. You may need to remove some parts, such as the air intake, the battery, or the fan shroud, to access it.
  2. Drain some coolant from the radiator or the coolant reservoir. You can use a drain plug, a hose clamp, or a siphon to do this. Make sure the engine is cool and wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the hot and toxic coolant.
  3. Remove the thermostat housing bolts and the housing. You may need to use a wrench, a socket, or a screwdriver to do this. Be careful not to damage the gasket or the housing.
  4. Remove the old thermostat and the gasket. You may need to pry them off with a flathead screwdriver or a scraper. Clean the mating surfaces of the housing and the engine block or the cylinder head with a rag or a wire brush. Make sure there is no dirt, rust, or debris left.
  5. Install the new thermostat and the gasket. Make sure the thermostat is oriented correctly and the gasket is aligned properly. You can use some gasket sealant or adhesive to help secure them in place.
  6. Reinstall the thermostat housing and the bolts. Tighten them evenly and securely, but not too much, as this can cause leaks or cracks. You can use a torque wrench to follow the manufacturer’s specifications.
  7. Refill the coolant and bleed the air from the cooling system. You can use a funnel, a hose, or a bleeder valve to do this. Make sure the coolant level is correct and there are no bubbles or leaks.
  8. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches the normal operating temperature. Check the temperature gauge and the heater output. If the engine is overheating or running too cold, or if the heater is not working, there may be a problem with the thermostat installation or the cooling system. You may need to adjust the thermostat, bleed the air, or fix the leaks.


Conclusion

Driving a car without a thermostat is not advisable, as it can cause your engine to overheat or run too cold, which can damage your engine and reduce your performance. However, if you have no choice but to do so, you should follow some safety tips to minimize the risks. You should also troubleshoot and replace your thermostat as soon as possible, as this will help your engine run better and last longer. Alternatively, you can use a temporary or adjustable thermostat, which can be installed or removed easily and can regulate the temperature of your engine according to your needs.